In a letter issued to his Mancos patients on Monday, Dr. Allan Burnside announced closure of the Mancos Valley Medical Center after May 26, with subsequent transfer of patient records and services to his Dolores Medical Center.

Burnside’s letter states:

"It is with great regret that we must permanently close the Mancos Valley Medical Center after May 26th.

"Our Mancos patients’ medical records will be located at the Dolores Medical Center after that date.

"Each of you, as both friends and patients, are very important to us, and we look forward to continuing to serve your medical needs through our Dolores office. Those of you that we have been seeing at home, we will continue to see you in your home. Yes, we do make home visits where necessary!"

Dick Loucks, CEO of C & G Health Care Administrators, Inc., said Monday there "has not been enough business to support both facilities" and "rather than split themselves between the two," the Burnsides have decided to consolidate their practice at the Dolores Medical Center.

Loucks emphasized that the medical records of Mancos Valley Medical Center patients will be secure at the Dolores office, the Burnsides’ home visits to shut-in patients will continue, and Burnside will continue as medical director of the Valley Inn Nursing Home.