SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Scripps Health plans to disband its maternity unit in Chula Vista and transfer all labor and delivery to Scripps Mercy Hillcrest. The unit has 30 beds.
Scripps officials say consolidating care is a way to ease the burden on the South Bay's busy emergency departments.
In a statement to FOX 5, Scripps said:
“Scripps Mercy Chula Vista's inpatient medical and surgical beds are currently occupied at or above their authorized maximum capacity, but on average only about half of the OB unit beds are occupied.”
They say that by repurposing the space, they can meet the increased demand for patients visiting the emergency room, reduce long wait times and expand critical needs such as cardiac care.
“The need to drive an additional 10, 15, 30 miles to receive care has consequences for mothers and babies,” said Andrew Smith, March of Dimes executive director of market impact. may play an important role.”
Representatives from the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies, are studying the effects of similar shutdowns across the country, including on premature births.
Just this fall, Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside suspended labor and delivery services, forcing many North County patients to drive long distances for treatment.
“The United States remains one of the most dangerous developing countries in which to give birth. We are currently facing a maternal and child health crisis, and Black, Hispanic, and Native American women are struggling to access obstetric care. We are being disproportionately affected by the lack. When I hear that another store is closing across America, I just think about the families that will be affected and how dangerous it is for the families in our community. “,” Smith said.
Scripps said the measure will affect 135 staff members who will be supported by other opportunities within the medical group and community partners.
Although there is no exact date for the transition yet, the transition will begin with a 90-day regulatory notice and comment period and is expected to last until mid-June. Until then, all scheduled deliveries will be made in Chula Vista.
