More than 200 St. Luke's Behavioral Health Center employees have been furloughed after the state health department shut the facility down.
The organization said that the furlough was necessary after the air conditioning malfunctions and hospital license suspension. They had been told by state officials to suspend all operations and halt care.
The furlough took effect on Monday, Aug. 26.
The suspension of services came amidst complaints from former and current employees about the conditions of the facilities and other concerns.
Steward Health Care, St. Luke's parent company, released the following statement:
The temporary closure of St Luke’s Behavioral Health Center by the state as a result of equipment malfunctions and hospital license suspension, has led to the unfortunate but necessary decision to furlough most St Luke’s employees effective today, August 26, 2024. As with employees furloughed during Covid, while they will not be paid, employees can use paid leave/PTO. In addition, all employees will receive their full health care coverage through at least September 30, 2024.
This is a difficult situation, but we believe it can be resolved quickly, and our employees can return to doing their important work serving patients at St Luke’s which Steward Health Care is actively working to transition to new ownership. We will provide further updates as appropriate.
It is unclear when the furlough will be lifted.
Steward Health Care filed for bankruptcy and plans to sell off its more than 30 hospitals across the country.
The company is under federal investigation by the Senate Health Committee, and the company's CEO has been subpoenaed to appear before Congress.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced her office is opening an investigation into the bankruptcy, as well.
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