LAURIUM, Mich. (WLUC) – Aspirus Keweenaw will be ending the labor and delivery services of its Birthing Center at the end of the month.
The hospital says the decision comes after a review of services found there were challenges in recruiting and retaining the staff needed. Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital is now recommending that patients seek OB/GYN services locally at the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center OB/GYN clinic, with deliveries taking place at UP Health System – Portage.
“At UP Health System – Portage, we are dedicated to providing care for mothers and newborns in a safe and supportive environment,” a statement from UPHS – Portage said. “Our Birthing Center is equipped with private delivery rooms, a C-section operating suite and a newborn nursery, with 24/7 care from a dedicated team of qualified medical professionals. Our Labor & Delivery team currently consists of a board-certified OB/GYN physician and two midwives as well as an experienced registered nursing staff, anesthesia team, surgical staff and a certified lactation consultant, among other supports.”
UPHS – Portage expects births at its facility to rise from 200 to 400 annually as a result of services ending at Aspirus Keweenaw. However, Aspirus says it will continue to provide outpatient services including ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal care. A collaboration between Aspirus and Upper Great Lakes Family Health Clinic will also provide obstetric and postpartum care beginning next month.
“This initiative will consolidate staffing and service locations to better meet local patient demand for comprehensive OB/GYN services,” Aspirus Keweenaw Chief Administrative Officer Matt Krause states. “Together, we’re creating a stronger OB/GYN practice that no single organization could provide on its own.”
This change at Aspirus is not without its criticisms. The Michigan Nurses Association says OB nurses at the hospital are leaving because of the shutdown.
“The OB-specific nurses will be trained into other departments,” Michigan Nurses Association-Aspirus Keweenaw Union President Melissa Helppi said. “Some have already left for other positions and other facilities because of the closure, because that was their passion to do OB, and that was no longer an availability to them.”
The association also claims Aspirus is not actively communicating this change to the community and wants to get the word out. The labor and delivery services at Aspirus Keweenaw end Dec. 31.
Bailey Patrick, Chief Operating Officer at Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center, shared that the organization is continuing to expand its women’s health care team.
“Upper Great Lakes Health is deeply committed to investing in and providing the essential health services that our local community needs. We are excited to welcome Christiann Rosemurgy, CNM, WHNP-BC, and Taylor Landers, CNM, to our practice. Additionally, we have an OB/GYN joining our team in February and another in July,” said Patrick in a statement.
The Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center Women’s Health team currently operates an OB/GYN clinic at 500 Campus Drive, in Hancock. In January, it will expand outpatient OB/GYN services to the Upper Great Lakes Houghton clinic. In late February, the provider anticipates providing outreach OB/GYN clinics at the Aspirus Laurium Clinic and the Aspirus Houghton Clinic to ensure continued access to outpatient OB/GYN services in the community.
Patients can schedule a visit with the Upper Great Lakes Women’s Health Team by calling 906-483-1050. No referral is needed. For more information about Upper Great Lakes Family Health, visit UGLhealth.org
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