Bismarck Hospitals Shuffle Services Post Layoffs

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The two competing hospitals in Bismarck will be working together in the wake of announcement that St. Alexius is closing two departments and laying off workers.

The hospital is shuttering its inpatient pediatric and rehab units by the end of the week, laying off 23 employees and reassigning another 39 to other areas of care. Officials cite a changing health care environment and low patient numbers in the two units.

CHI St. Alexius CEO and President Kurt Schley says the hospital is working with Sanford Health to transfer patients from the pediatric unit.

Sanford CEO and President Craig Lambrecht says that hospital also is in "hiring mode" and would welcome applications from St. Alexius workers who are losing their jobs.