Washington County Hospital and Clinics averages 130 births each year and due to costs associated continuing to increase, the hospital will no longer have obstetric services.

Interim CEO Dr. Stephan Schomer says there’s been a 41% increase in costs for this service line over the past five years.” According to Foundation and Marketing Director of WCHC Amy Vetter, the leadership and Board of Trustees have been looking at ways to better use facilities and staff as part of WCHC’s long-term plan for growth. The anticipated close date is June 1, 2018.

Vetter tells KCII News, “Expectant mothers who have already been seen by our Women’s Clinic will have the opportunity to receive prenatal care throughout their pregnancy and deliver their coming child at WCHC this spring. Our physicians will work with newer expectant mothers over the next few months to efficiently transition their care.”

The transition will result in no reduction of staff, as both physicians Dr. Bruner and Dr. Marthers are certified gynecologists and will offer those services for women of all ages. OB staff will be offered similar positions within the organization.