Danville, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center will temporarily close its birthing center Oct. 18 because of staffing shortages, Commercial-News reported Oct. 13.
The closure is expected to be months long and will affect 20 to 30 expectant mothers a month.
Three out of the four obstetric providers have left or are planning to leave OSF Sacred Heart, causing the closure.
Patients will be referred to OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Ill.
Outpatient prenatal care, postpartum care, general women's health and pediatric services will still be available as OSF Sacred Heart.
The close is not permanent and recruiting efforts are underway, OSF Sacred Heart President Ned Hill told the publication.