Martins Ferry-based East Ohio Regional Hospital will reopen its obstetrics department in 2018 after a two-year closure, according to The Intelligencer.
EORH's birthing unit was shut down after delivery services were consolidated to Wheeling, W.Va.-based Ohio Valley Medical Center in 2015.
The decision to bring back the obstetrics unit came after EORH medical staff asked the hospital's new owner, Irvine, Calif.-based Alecto Healthcare Services, to bring back delivery services.
To accommodate the reopening, the hospital will move its sleep lab, currently in the place of the birthing unit, to the third floor of the north building. In addition, EORH will need a new license from the Ohio Department of Health to open the birthing center.
There is no definitive date set for the reopening. EORH Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Albertini said Tuesday the reopening will occur by "the first quarter of next year at the latest," according to The Intelligencer.