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Martin nursing facility to close its doors this autumn

Creative Commons

Yet another rural nursing facility will close its doors – this time in Bennett County.

The nursing facility in Martin will be closing effective Oct. 13.

The facility is operated alongside the Bennett County hospital. The health system’s administration released a statement saying over $1.3 million has been lost at the facility in the past six months. Further losses could put the future of the hospital at risk.

The administration cited low reimbursement rates, the rising cost of travel nurses and supplies, and a lack of full-time nurses in the community as reasons for the decision.

The South Dakota Health Care Association reports over 10 percent of the state’s nursing homes have closed in the past five years.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering the legal system, education, and culture