Union Hospital, a 103-bed facility in Elkton, Md., and part of Wilmington, Del.-based ChristianaCare, has limited obstetric and pediatric services, Cecil Whig reported April 8.
ChristianaCare said in an April 8 news release provided to Becker’s that the changes stem from an ongoing shortage of specialized providers.
Full obstetric and pediatric services are available from 8 a.m. Mondays through 11:59 p.m. Wednesdays, with limited services from midnight Thursdays through 7:59 a.m. Mondays.
During periods of limited service, expectant mothers are encouraged to seek care at other hospitals that offer labor and delivery services, including ChristianaCare’s Newark campus. Patients who come to Union Hospital will be evaluated and, if appropriate, transferred. If labor is imminent, the hospital will deliver the baby before transferring the patient for follow-up care, according to the release.
“This is a challenging time, and we are sorry for the concern this may cause to expectant parents and families,” Joan Pirrung, MSN, APRN, president of ChristianaCare’s Cecil County Campus, said in the release. “We remain committed to serving our community and will work with neighboring hospitals to ensure smooth transitions of care when needed.”
ChristianaCare said it has notified patients and providers of the schedule change so expectant mothers can plan accordingly.
More information about Union Hospital’s labor and delivery service hours is available here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.