PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Southwest Health in Platteville is set to close its inpatient behavioral health unit for geriatric patients later this month.

Southwest Health will close the unit at 1185 N. Elm St. as of June 30. A hospital-issued news release states the closure will allow for the redirection of resources to Southwest Health’s outpatient services.

The Elm Street facility offers 24/7 care to patients in need of temporary geriatric care. Recent calculations have shown a decline in demand for such services, with the unit serving fewer than 100 geriatric patients per year.

Southwest Health leaders chose to close the unit in light of that trend, the news release states, as well as an increase in the number of outpatient services the hospital offers for patients of all ages.

The inpatient unit no longer is accepting new patients and is working with other area organizations to find a “safe and comfortable place for current residents looking to make a transition to a new facility.”

Current inpatient staff will be reassigned to other positions within the hospital system.

“This decision has not been made lightly,” the release states. “Southwest Health wants to express their sincerest appreciation to staff and community members who have helped make the inpatient unit a safe and comfortable place for patients.”