UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital plans to shutter the 12-bed pediatric unit at its Leominster (Mass.) campus.
Hospital officials attributed the decision to close the unit to a decreased demand for pediatric services and a shortage of staff to care for the pediatric patients around the clock.
The Massachusetts Nurses Association said the closure will force families of pediatric patients to travel 28 miles away for care they used to receive close to home.
"As a pediatric nurse who has cared for the children of this community for years, I am concerned about the impact this will have on our families, particularly the poorer members of our community who lack the resources and access to transportation to travel long distances for needed care," said Theresa Love, a nurse who has worked in the pediatric unit for more than 17 years.
Health Alliance management informed the nurses association of its intent to close the unit in early May. The closure still needs approval from the hospital board and Massachusetts Public Health Department.