The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved St. Louis-based Ascension’s plans to transition inpatient obstetrics services from Ascension Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village to Ascension St. Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates, a health system spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s.
The board voted 6-3 Nov. 18 to allow the unit closure, following a lengthy discussion. The move was met with opposition from nurses and community members, according to the Chicago Tribune, with more than 40 letters of opposition and six letters of support submitted to the board.
In a prepared statement to Becker’s, an Ascension spokesperson praised the decision, yet did not name a specific date for the closure, merely saying it would occur “shortly.”
“We are proud of the quality of care provided at our hospitals and look forward to providing continued access to vital health services for our northwest [Chicago] suburban communities at our dedicated labor and delivery center of excellence,” the health system said.
Some nurses at Alexian Brothers expressed concern that the change could delay care and pose safety risks for mothers traveling farther for delivery, according to the Tribune. In its application, Ascension cited lower patient volumes and a desire to reduce service duplication.
Ascension said Alexian Brothers will continue to grow its cardiology, stroke and spine programs and will maintain outpatient obstetric care and emergency deliveries.
The move is part of a broader trend among hospitals to consolidate maternity care amid declining birth rates, workforce shortages and financial pressures.
