CINCINNATI, OH — UC Health announced on Thursday a strategic decision to evolve its care priorities, investing more deeply in high-demand services and improving access to specialty and primary care for our community. As part of the shift, the academic health system will gradually transition out of providing long-term post-acute inpatient and skilled nursing care.
This decision involves the future closure of the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care by September 30, 2025. Patients currently receiving care at the facility will either complete their treatment on-site or be thoughtfully transitioned to UC Health locations or community partners best equipped to provide ongoing care. The health system noted that the facility’s age and services contributed to sustained financial challenges and were key reasons for the decision to close it.
UC Health outpatient therapy services and physician clinics currently located in the Daniel Drake Center will relocate to other UC Health sites without disruptions in care. The UC Health primary care practice located on the campus will also remain open and fully operational.
UC Health care teams are supporting impacted patients and residents throughout the transition to ensure a seamless continuity of care either to other UC Health facilities or community partners.
“At UC Health, we have both a responsibility and a mission to improve health and deepen our impact across Greater Cincinnati,” said Robert Wiehe, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UC Health. “This decision, while difficult, is a strategic step forward ensuring we can grow with purpose, expand access to high-quality care and meet the changing needs of our community today and for generations to come. We remain committed to supporting our patients and people through this transition and are incredibly proud of the Drake Center team’s legacy at UC Health.”
Impacted employees will be given the opportunity to pursue open positions within UC Health and will be eligible for consideration. The health system has reaffirmed its goal to retain the majority of affected staff and will provide dedicated support throughout the transition process.
As part of this announcement, UC Health also shared its intent to list Bridgeway Pointe, an assisted living community located adjacent to the site, for purchase. There are no immediate changes to operations or staffing, and residents will continue to receive the same high-quality care throughout the transition. UC Health will continue operations at Bridgeway Pointe while a future owner is identified.
UC Health is the region’s only adult academic health system, providing primary and specialty care for the people of Greater Cincinnati, with over 2 million patient visits per year and over 11,000 team members across the health system. The health system experienced a historic year last year, with the opening of the nation’s most comprehensive center for blood cancer patients, the Blood Cancer Healing Center, and the Emergency Preparedness & Response Center, the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the nation designed to respond to emergency events with unparalleled speed, space, and full-scope care. Growth is continuing for the system, with the scheduled opening of the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities this fall.
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About UC Health
A national leader in academic medicine, UC Health serves Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Employer, UC Health, in partnership with the University of Cincinnati, delivers innovative and compassionate care across four campuses and 70+ outpatient locations, including University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute and University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Our expert teams are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and clinical care in areas like oncology, transplant, emergency medicine and neurosciences, setting new standards for patient outcomes. Learn more at www.uchealth.com.