Closure of St. Louis' South City Hospital, formerly St. Alexius

South City Hospital, formerly known as St. Alexius, is set to close in the coming weeks due to financial distress. The 154-year-old St. Louis institution has been transferring patients to other facilities and will begin closing its 178-bed facility on Friday. The hospital serves a high portion of uninsured or underinsured patients, which has put financial pressure on the facility. Ownership has changed hands frequently, and the hospital has faced bankruptcy. Layoffs are underway, and residents needing emergency care are advised to seek treatment elsewhere. Efforts have been made to find alternatives to closure, but the hospital's financial situation has made it difficult to sustain operations.