Maple Lane Health Services closing its doors

North Shore Healthcare has announced its plan to close Maple Lane Health Services, one of four skilled nursing facilities it manages in Shawano.

The closure process will be conducted over the next several months, consistent with state and federal regulations. With the support of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the facility is working closely with all residents and their loved ones on relocation care plans to assist in transitioning to new homes that best serve their needs.

Maple Lane, like many long-term care providers, continues to feel the financial burden of the ongoing struggle with underfunding, according to a press release, as well as the strains that are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we are in the throes of a pandemic that has a devastating impact on our vulnerable population, we have spent an extensive amount of time evaluating how we can create a model that is sustainable and will support the continuation of care to those we have the honor of serving today and for years to come,” said David Mills, chief executive officer of North Shore Healthcare. “After a great deal of consideration, we concluded that the difficult — but most realistic — solution was through the closure of Maple Lane Health Services.”

With this closure, North Shore has developed a comprehensive plan that will offer specialized programs and services to residents, provide continued employment to employees and maintain partnerships with the acute-care providers in Shawano and the surrounding areas.

“We recognize that changes such as these create a certain level of uncertainty. Please be assured that our commitment to our residents and staff, as well as the Shawano community, has never been stronger,” Mills said.

North Shore Healthcare also manages Shawano Health Services, Evergreen Health Services and Birch Hill Health Services — all located in Shawano.