Another Maine Hospital is Closing Its Birthing Unit Due to Staffing Shortages

It's been a growing concern for hospitals and medical facilities not just in Maine, but around the United States and even the world. We're talking about the ever-growing shortage of healthcare workers.

And now, once again, we're feeling the negative impact of that shortage in the Pine Tree State.

According to an article published by WGME 13, Southern Maine's York Hospital has announced the closure of its birthing center effective on September 25.

The hospital says that the chronic worker shortage is to blame for the closure, the news station reported.

Hospital officials do go on to say in the WGME article that both pre and post-natal care will still be offered to expectant mothers, it will just be the physical birthing that will no longer be offered there.

Instead, New Hampshire's Wentworth-Douglas Hospital in Dover will take over on that front, according to the news station.

Keep in mind that in the end, it is up to the mothers on which hospital they choose to deliver their babies at, as long as they have an up-and-running birthing unit.

In a statement released from York Hospital, they go on to say,

“We’re keenly aware of the impact that this difficult decision will have on our patients and our community. Multiple steps were taken to keep the department open, but unfortunately, worker shortages have left us unable to provide the level of consistent, high-quality care our patients deserve,” President & CEO, Dr. Patrick Taylor said. “I’m grateful to the team at Wentworth-Douglass for their assistance in ensuring the safety and uninterrupted care of our patients, and I’m confident they will continue to provide a higher level of care for both our mothers and babies.”

WGME is reporting that York Hospital will continue to provide the same pediatric care at both the York and Wells campus and that gynecological care will be available at the main campus.