Marshall, Mo.-based Fitzgibbon Hospital, which was taken over this month by American Medical Administrators, will end labor and delivery services Sept. 30.
Chesterfield, Mo.-based American Medical Administrators and Fitzgibbon Hospital said the decision followed a review of hospital operations, service needs and long-term financial sustainability. The inpatient labor and delivery unit has operated at a loss for several years, and the organizations determined the resources required to maintain the service were no longer financially sustainable.
The hospital’s Marshall Women’s Care clinic will remain open and continue providing gynecological and reproductive health services, along with prenatal and postpartum care. Fitzgibbon Hospital, which is also changing its name to Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center, is also exploring collaborations with surrounding hospitals and healthcare providers to help ensure expectant mothers retain access to inpatient obstetrical and delivery services.
“This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly,” Kerry Noble, AMA CEO of hospital operations, said in a Sept. 18 announcement. “Labor and delivery has been an important part of Fitzgibbon Hospital and this community for many years.”
Patients currently receiving prenatal care at Marshall Women’s Care will continue working with their existing clinical teams. The clinic will assist patients with delivery planning, referrals and transitions to other facilities as arrangements are finalized.
“Our responsibility is to position Fitzgibbon Hospital for long-term stability while preserving access to the healthcare services we can sustainably provide,” Mr. Noble said.
The service cut comes shortly after the hospital changed hands following a bankruptcy court-approved transaction. AMA confirmed Sept. 9 that it had begun managing the hospital and related healthcare operations after a legal dispute over the sale was resolved.
When the ownership transition was announced, AMA said the hospital, skilled nursing facility and rural health clinics would remain open, though some services and operations could be modified as the organization evaluated the facilities and worked toward a more sustainable operating model.
