Munson Healthcare Manistee (Mich.) Hospital will close its maternity unit May 31, affecting 15 jobs, according to UpNorthLive.
Manistee Hospital CEO James Barker said that the decision to close the maternity unit was made after careful deliberation and will help "ensure the long-term sustainability of the hospital."
The number of births at the hospital has declined in recent years. In March, the hospital had an all-time low of six births, according to the report.
Women can receive prenatal and postnatal care at the hospital, but expectant mothers would give birth at Munson Healthcare Cadillac (Mich.) Hospital's family birth center, about 50 miles east of Manistee.
"We understand this change will be concerning to expectant families. Manistee Hospital staff will do everything they can to ease the transition and ensure women receive the care they need and have the best possible birth experience," Mr. Barker told UpNorthLive, an NBC affiliate.
The human resources team met with the 15 affected employees and provided them with information about other job openings in the Munson Healthcare system.
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