Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health’s Newark-Wayne Community Hospital will suspend its inpatient labor and delivery, newborn nursery and postpartum services Sept. 3 after it receives approval from the New York State Department of Health to close its Marshall Birthing Unit.
The health system shared plans in May to close the services in late summer or early fall, pointing to a national and local birth rate decline, including ongoing workforce issues.
Labor and delivery services will continue at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital through Aug. 31. Patients that are planning to deliver at the hospital will be redirected to Rochester General Hospital or other regional birthing centers beginning Aug. 31 at 11:59 pm, according to an Aug. 26 news release.
The system is also working with EMS partners, regional birthing centers and Rochester Regional Health hospitals to prepare for the transition. The hospital is not closing, and will continue to offer inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, surgical services, diagnostic services and other important community healthcare services, the release said.
“This is not a decision we wanted to make, but safe labor and delivery care requires specialized nursing, physician, anesthesia and neonatal support around the clock,” Michael Rulffes, President and COO of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic, said in the release. “For several years, we have faced challenges maintaining the full team necessary to provide that care safely. Our focus now is on supporting patients and families through this transition and ensuring they continue to have access to safe, high-quality maternity care.”
