LEOMINSTER, Mass. — The labor and delivery unit is set to close at Leominster Hospital on September 23, but the Department of Public Health says not so fast.
The Department is now asking UMass Memorial Health to submit a much more detailed plan on how they plan to fill the gaps for maternal healthcare in this area if the unit closes.
“DPH literally listened to every word we said which is so nice to see, they really listened and put it in their perspective, and they really agree with us,” said Tara Corey, a maternity nurse at Leominster Hospital.
After rallying support to keep the maternity ward open at Leominster Hospital for the last couple of months, nurses like Corey are excited to see the new letter released by DPH this week.
[ ‘It’s terrifying’: Dozens of protestors rallying to stop a maternity ward from closing in Leominster ]
DPH found the maternal health services at this hospital are indeed essential for this area after holding a public hearing on this closure a couple of weeks ago.
“We’ve seen circumstances where patients are coming in and literally stepping forth in our unit and giving birth within minutes or they’re giving birth in our parking lot or in their cars on the way here,” said Corey.
Corey sees firsthand how essential the labor and delivery unit is here and is worried about that extra drive time of at least 30 minutes to the nearest hospital for women in labor if this unit closes.
DPH agrees and is now asking UMass Memorial Health to detail how it plans to address more than a dozen concerns from transportation to the impact on ambulances and the capacity of emergency rooms if this maternity unit closes as planned in September.
“It’s just so shocking that there were 13 specific requirements based on that hearing like that is huge,” said Corey.
For example, in its letter to UMass Memorial, DPH asks: “how the Hospital will meet the need for enhanced training of first responders and emergency medical service personnel to address the potential for more out-of-hospital deliveries during transit.”
DPH also questions if UMass considered alternative options before closing this unit.
“The Department requests information on what resources are needed to maintain the inpatient maternal newborn services and avoid closure,” DPH said in its letter.
“It’s usually just about the plan of closure, not actually what would you need to stay open, so that was big,” said Corey.
A spokesperson with UMass Memorial Health released this statement Wednesday:
“UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital is working with the Department of Public Health to detail our ongoing plans to maintain access to essential maternity inpatient services across North Central Massachusetts following the proposed closure of the labor and delivery unit at our Leominster campus. Throughout this process, we remain committed to thoughtfully and equitably addressing the needs of all birthing people in our service areas.”
UMass Memorial Health now has 15 days to respond to this letter from DPH to address the concerns over closing the labor and delivery unit. Meanwhile, nurses and community members hope the governor steps in to keep it open.
[ DPH: Essential Services Finding ]
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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