MARTINS FERRY — East Ohio Regional Hospital will close its doors at 11:59 p.m. Friday, according to president and CEO Daniel Dunmyer.

Although Dunmyer had been hopeful that a deal to safeguard the future of the hospital would be reached Friday, that was not the case, although he said negotiations continue. Dunmyer said all services will be suspended tonight, meaning that no new patients can be admitted or treated even at the emergency room.

Dunmyer said a few long-term care patients will remain on site after the doors are closed tonight. He said a few of them will be transferred to other locations on Saturday, with the final remaining patients to be transferred elsewhere on Monday.

A candlelight vigil at the hospital, located at the north end of Fourth Street in Martins Ferry, is scheduled to begin at 11:49 p.m. Friday.