Sharon Regional Medical Center will close its doors on January 6, 2025, according to a court order issued by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Steward Health Care System, which owns the hospital, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year and could not find a buyer for the facility.

According to the order, signed on Friday by Judge Christopher Lopez, the closure will affect approximately 700 employees.

Hospital Board President Bob Rogalski told 21 News that because of the WARN Act, a federal law that requires employees to be paid 60 days of wages from the notice of a closure all employees will still be paid through Friday, February 14. Those 60 days will be up on February 14.

Steward has submitted a plan for the transition of care for current patients. The majority of inpatients will be discharged in the ordinary course of treatment. Patients requiring ongoing care will be assisted in finding new providers at other hospitals in the area.

The hospital will cease admitting new patients and scheduling elective surgeries before the closure date. Arrangements will be made with an ambulance service to ensure the safe transfer of any remaining patients on January 6th.

Steward has notified local healthcare providers, emergency services, and government agencies about the closure.