Carson City, Mich.-based Sparrow Carson Hospital will shutter its inpatient obstetrics ward May 25, which will result in an unspecified number of layoffs, reports the Lansing State Journal.
Hospital officials said the decision to stop providing delivery services was a result of a decline in the number of patients giving birth at the hospital. The hospital will still offer pre- and post-natal care.
"This tough decision was made only after an extensive and careful review of Carson Sparrow Hospital's obstetric care services," said Bill Roeser, Sparrow Carson Hospital's interim president and CEO. "The reality is, while our hearts desire to continue to offer this service to area families, we must remain focused on what is best for our patients —and that is to deliver outstanding patient-centered experiences."
Mr. Roeser did not confirm the number of employees that will be affected; however, he said hospital leaders will work with the laid off employees to explore other opportunities at the hospital network.
The hospital will encourage patients to give birth at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich., which is roughly 50 miles southeast of Carson City, according to the report.
The decision to end inpatient obstetrics care follows a leadership shakeup at the hospital that resulted from an investigation into the hospital's infection control issues.