GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — West Springs Hospital's doors could close in less than a week. Is any more help from the state of Colorado or Rocky Mountain Health plans on the way?
John Sheehan, the CEO of West Springs Hospital tells Western Slope Now the solution to save his hospital is simple. "Ten more Medicaid admissions a week," Sheehan said that would keep West Springs Hospital open.
However, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, or HCPF, disagrees. When WesternSlopeNow asked HCPF about Sheehan's proposed solution they responded via email.
"Medicaid and its Regional Accountable Entity partners do NOT 'allocate' patients among providers. Regional Accountable Entities are required by Medicaid to build statewide, broad-based behavioral health networks. Patients, family members, referring health care providers, and first responders decide the best placement for each patient based on their unique needs within that very broad network of providers."
HCPF continued, saying if West Springs Hospital wanted more patients they should make it easier for referring providers and others, like law enforcement to admit patients.
"This might include improving the efficiency and ease of their patient admission processes, building open lines of communication between themselves and referring providers, meeting with referring providers to understand their needs and developing unique admission processes to meet those needs, educating referring providers on their capabilities and limitations so less patients are turned away after referral, and more."
What help has been offered so far?
In a letter to a dozen Colorado Lawmakers sent on April 25, 2024, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) say they've "made every effort to provide West Springs Hospital with support and flexibility within the constraints of our resources and programs."
- The issuing of a conditional license with terms designed to improve the quality of the hospital.
- $21.8 million in advanced payments for fiscal year 2023-24 through Rocky Mountain Health Plans.
- A $4.89 million contract with Mind Springs through the BHA.
- Responding to frequent communications with Mind Springs and West Springs Hospital.
Yet, in a letter to those same Colorado Lawmakers from the Mind Springs Executive Leadership Team, they pushed back on the notion the state has made "every effort." They contend the hospital received no extra financial support and say the state-issued conditional license actually cost the hospital money.
West Springs Officials confirmed to WesternSlopeNow over the phone the hospital received $23.85 million from Rocky Mountain Health Plans in fiscal year 2023-24 as a part of their regular contract. They also confirmed they have a contract with Behavioral Health for $4.89 million.
Is more help coming?
WesternSlopeNow reached out to the state agencies to ask if a one-time influx of $20 million would save West Springs Hospital. West Springs claimed they spent $18 million to comply with state oversight.
A state spokesperson said, "The local community has met to identify pathways towards West Springs Hospital’s sustainability. The state is collaboratively engaged in this productive effort."
The state would also not elaborate on an excerpt from their letter to state legislators that said, "A one-time cash infusion would not address the structural issues that have resulted in WSH's recent financial challenges, nor would it put it on a stable path to serve the needs of the community for years to come."
At the county level, while declining an interview Mesa County said they do not have the financial means to help West Springs. However, on May 9 Garfield County Commissioners announced a $49,500 grant to help maintain services provided at West Springs Hospital.
What will happen on June 1?
"We would have to lay off all the employees. That's 220 employees," Sheehan said. That's just employees, with West Springs Hospital closing that would mean the community would have 48 fewer in-patient psychiatric beds and 16 fewer children's beds.
Sheehan said West Springs would close its doors and pivot to a community-based care model.
My job as CEO will be to transition us to a model that is sustainable for our ambulatory non-hospital based services.
John Sheehan