Johnstown long-term acute-care hospital closes; rehabilitation hospital set to expand
Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital has ceased operations as a long-term acute-care hospital in Johnstown, ending long-term acute-care services at the facility.
The hospital and its pharmacy, located at 4401A Union Street, ceased operations effective Oct. 1, according to an official notice posted by the hospital.
The neighboring Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital is not closing. Instead, the former long-term acute-care hospital’s 20 non-ICU beds are planned to become inpatient rehabilitation beds at the rehabilitation hospital at 4401 Union Street.
Once those additional beds are licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital’s inpatient capacity will increase from 40 to 60 beds, according to a public notice published Sept. 19.
The exact timing of the transition has not been announced. The LTACH’s website currently lists the transfer date as TBD.
Specialized care changes in Johnstown
Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital provided extended hospital care for patients recovering from serious illnesses or injuries who continued to require complex medical treatment.
The hospital described itself as a critical-care facility providing long-term acute and critical care to patients from Colorado, Wyoming and Western Nebraska.
The Colorado Hospital Association lists Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital as a 20-bed long-term acute-care hospital in Johnstown.
Long-term acute-care hospitals serve a different role from inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. The LTACH treated patients who required continued hospital-level care for complex medical conditions, while Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital focuses on helping patients regain physical or cognitive abilities after serious illnesses or injuries.
Both facilities are part of Ernest Health.
Rehabilitation hospital remains open
Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital continues operating at 4401 Union Street, adjacent to the former long-term acute-care hospital.
The rehabilitation hospital currently provides specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses and chronic medical conditions.
Under the announced plan, the former LTACH’s 20 beds will be added to the rehabilitation hospital after licensing is completed, increasing its inpatient capacity from 40 to 60 beds.
The change therefore represents a shift in the type of hospital care provided at the Johnstown campus rather than the closure of the entire medical facility.
Patients seeking copies of medical records from Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital are being directed to contact Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital at 970-619-3400.
