Ironton hospital closing soon -- January 17, 2001

Efforts to save a hospital in Ironton proved unsuccessful Wednesday. River Valley Health Systems announced will close its doors effective January 27th.

It's facility in Portsmouth also will shut down that day. The emergency department will close January 22rd.

According to a news release, a combination of decreases in reimbursement from medicare and medicaid, and fewer patients contributed to major financial losses. Approximately 400 jobs will be affected.