ST. LOUIS – The Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital had an unexpected closing Tuesday. Now, Mayor Tishaura Jones says she wants to help the employees that were furloughed.

“(Christmas) is a week from today. I couldn’t imagine being in the shoes of those employees who are receiving notices that their place of employment is closing,” Jones said.

All employees of the hospital were furloughed until further notice. Jones is working with the Department of Health and the St. Louis Agency of Training and Employment to help the workers.

The closure is blamed on a blood shortage, but the employees point to payroll issues. The hospital says they will be working with financial lenders to get more funding to expand operations.

The Homer G. Phillips Board of Directors released a statement Wednesday that reads:

"Hospital board leadership is working diligently to finalize the blood supply, pay rolls, accreditation, and continuing successful operations... we look forward to continuing to serve the health care needs of the community."

However, Jones said she wouldn't get the impression it would reopen if she were an employee. She's worried about residents not having access to healthcare in the neighborhood.

“This is also a stain on the legacy of Homer Phillips,” the mayor added. “Who opened and has a hospital here to address equity within the medical field and to close this hospital named after a man who has such a rich legacy in our community—it’s shameful.”