(Radio Iowa) – Keokuk’s hospital will close October 1st. Quincy, Illinois-based Blessing Health Systems bought the hospital in March of last year from UnityPoint Health. The Keokuk hospital needs millions of dollars in repairs and it averages just two inpatients per day and less than one emergency visit per hour.

The hospital’s 147 employees will continue to be paid until November 4th, some working on site and others on administrative leave. They’ll be offered jobs in other Blessing Health facilities.

The hospital has 49 in-patient beds and has been operating a round the clock emergency room. Blessing Health plans to put the building up for sale.