University of Missouri Health Care Women's Hospital in Columbia, Mo., has shared plans to permanently close its emergency room on June 10.
MU Health Care's University Hospital in Columbia will provide a centralized ER with a separate ER for children following the closure, according to a post on MU Health Care's website.
Women's ER services will be available at the centralized ER with access to more than 80 specialties.
"Patients who are pregnant can take comfort knowing our ER doctors work closely with our women’s health experts and new Birthing Center, offering peace of mind and less travel," the website post said. "In situations where time is critical, having one location for emergency care in Columbia allows our specialists to collaborate more quickly and efficiently, maximizing expertise and care for both adults and children."
The move is part of the transition plan for all women's health services to the recently opened MU Health Care 160-bed Children's Hospital and Birthing Center. Upon moving the women's hospital and emergency room services to the new center, the former women's hospital will be utilized for surgical procedures. MU Health Care will continue to look for future options for the women's hosptial building to help expand care to patients, a spokesperson for MU Health Care told Becker's.
Editors note: This article has been updated as of June 3 at 11:40 a.m. CT.