DANVILLE – Provena United Samaritans Medical Center will discontinue its occupational medicine services at the end of March.

Occupational medicine includes screenings, physicals, fit for duty evaluations and other services for employers and employees.

Provena will continue to provide on-site assessments for employers and other preventive health services, hospital officials said.

Hospital CEO Mike Brown said discontinuing occupational medicine is in the best interest of local businesses and the hospital as United Samaritans evolves and adapts to serve the needs of the community.

"This decision reflects a shift in the health care delivery model nationwide," he said. "Employers are changing focus to preventive wellness programs in industry to prevent illness and injury in the workforce. This is why we are expanding our employer health and safety program that currently expects to take these services to our area businesses."

Provena said it will work with employers to help them expand their wellness programs. The health and safety program also provides on-site flu shots, participates in employer health fairs and various health screenings.