Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Va., will close its pediatric and pediatric intensive care units effective April 1, according to a statement shared with Becker's.
The hospital, which is part of HCA Virginia, cited a low number of patients as part of the reasoning behind the decision.
"In evaluating our pediatric inpatient populations, we have recognized that this market is well served and, as a result, these opportunities are less abundant for our team to maintain their highest acuity skills," the hospital's statement said. "During recent years, the average daily number of patients has been low, and we have not experienced an increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it also has become clear that we must focus our care teams' efforts on the increased demand for adult inpatient medical and surgical care, more specifically the women's health population."
The decision came as Henrico Doctors' Hospital has provided children's services to the surrounding communities for more than 26 years.
Although the pediatric units are closing, the hospital will still provide emergency medical care to children via designated emergency room space.
"Should admission to a pediatric unit or PICU be required, we will ensure a safe and efficient transfer to one of the community pediatric units. For those pediatric patients at HDH, our care team and medical staff will collaborate with the families to identify a comprehensive transition plan," the hospital said.
The hospital added that it remains committed to providing healthcare options to the region including women's services and recently expanded services including inpatient/outpatient behavioral health, eating disorders center and bariatric surgery.