Sterling Hospice Home Closing

STERLING  —  The Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling is closing next month after serving the area for more than 40-years.  The organization announced the move yesterday, citing changes in healthcare reimbursement, increasing operating costs and other economic pressures for the closure.  CGH Medical Center is expecting to buy the property, but can’t resume operations immediately due to a federal moratorium on new Medicare hospice certifications.  When the moratorium is lifted, CGH plans to apply for certification and state licenses to offer care.