FAIRFIELD, Ohio (WXIX) – The birthing center at Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital has officially closed.
While birthing services have ended, hospital officials say they have consolidated with Mercy’s Anderson and West Hospitals.
Meanwhile, the staff on the unit say above themselves, they are more concerned about what impact this closure will have on the community.
“We have really struggled with this idea that we know that there was a need for the work that we did,” said a nurse who wished to remain anonymous. “We know that there was a need for the service that we provided to the community.”
The nurse said the decision to close Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital’s birthing center contradicts health guidance.
“In a time when we discuss a lot from a public health standpoint just like maternal health disparities that exist in the U.S. are a huge problem,” the nurse explained. “To be consolidating care at a time like this in that community, in that part of Fairfield in Forest Park and Fairfield and parts of Hamilton, where folks come to us, we know we’re needed. It just feels very contrary to what we know to be the true public health guidance which is to be expanding access.”
Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital said they have plans for what the former birthing center will be used for but are not ready to announce them yet.
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