MercyOne Newton (Iowa) Medical Center is pausing its labor and delivery services indefinitely, effective after Oct. 15 due to Newton Clinic ending its recruitment of physicians who are dedicated to labor and delivery obstetrics services.
In an Aug. 30 joint statement from Newton Clinic and MercyOne Newton Medical Center, shared with Becker's, Newton Clinic pointed to a "decade of significant recruitment and physician workforce challenges" for the service cuts.
"As difficult as this decision is, patient safety is of utmost importance to both organizations," the statement said. "Both Newton Clinic and MercyOne Newton Medical Center will continue to commit to the high standards of prescribed and emergency care followed by every care center in Iowa."
Newton Clinic will contact patients who are expected to give birth after the Oct. 15 service closure to help transition care. Mothers expected to give birth before Oct. 15 will continue to receive care and will be able to deliver at the hospital.
Nurses working in the MercyOne Newton Medical Center labor and delivery department will be offered positions in other open nursing positions and departments, the statement said.