Astria Toppenish (Wa.) Hospital is set to close its maternity ward Jan. 14, citing financial losses, fewer deliveries and reduced Medicaid reimbursement among its reasons for shuttering, Yakima Herald-Republic reported Dec. 15.
Over the past five years, the hospital has seen a 50 percent decrease in deliveries, according to information provided from the hospital to Herald-Republic. A July reduction of Medicaid reimbursement from 150 percent to 100 percent also contributed to the hospital's decision to discontinue its maternity services.
The hospital has lost $3.2 million in the past 12 months.
The Sunnyside, Wash.-based health system also recently cut cardiology services at its Sunnyside hospital and clinics across the Lower Valley.