Edward White Hospital in St. Petersburg is closing.

HCA West Florida announced Tuesday that the hospital will cease operations no later than November 24.

Hospital officials say a rise in unoccupied hospital beds and operational costs of the aging facility are the main reasons for the closing.

Services offered at Edward White will be consolidated within the region, hospital officials said. Most of the hospital employees are expected to be hired by other affiliated hospitals.

"In this era where healthcare is migrating to the outpatient setting, we are seeing a significant rise in unoccupied licensed hospital beds throughout the region,"  said Peter Marmerstein, President, HCA West Florida. "We have made the decision that the community would benefit most if further investment is focused on consolidating Edward White’s clinical services with those of our other facilities in the area: Northside Hospital, Palms of Pasadena Hospital and St. Petersburg General Hospital."

Marmerstein said during the coming months, HCA West Florida will work closely with Edward White Hospital’s medical staff to ensure continuity of care for patients by assisting physicians with their transitions to other HCA affiliated hospitals.  

Job fairs and career transition seminars will also be made available to hospital employees.