Chicago-based Norwegian American Hospital is seeking approval to close its pediatric unit by March 31, according to the Chicago Tribune.
In its application filed with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, the hospital cited low demand for pediatric services. In particular, the application said NAH only treated nine patients in 2016 and last year the hospital treated no patients through the end of November, which is an occupancy rate of less than 1 percent. The hospital wants to convert the unit into administrative and storage space.
Other Chicago-area hospitals have also made moves to stop pediatric inpatient services for similar reasons, including increased competition from specialty children's hospitals, the transition to outpatient services and low demand for the services as a result of improved treatment and preventive care.
NAH said nearby hospitals would easily be able to absorb and care for its pediatric patients.
The hospital will continue to offer outpatient pediatric services.