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LEOMINSTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — UMass Memorial Health is moving forward with their plans to close their maternity ward in Leominster on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Earlier this month, the Department of Public Health asked UMass Memorial Health to hold off closing the ward, saying their closure plan was “inadequate.” UMass cited staffing issues and a low number of births as the reason for the closure.
Many lawmakers in north-central Massachusetts, including State Rep. Natalie Higgins of Leominster, are concerned that patients would be too far from Worchester to receive proper care.
“The delegation has been very clear from the beginning. The only acceptable resolution is to get UMass to change their mind and keep the unit open,” said Higgins.
Higgins reached out to the Department of Public Health and Gov. Maura Healy, hoping that they will help keep the birthing center from closing.
“We’ve allowed 10 birthing centers in Massachusetts to close over the last 10 years,” said Higgins. “In that same time, severe maternal morbidity has doubled.”
WBZ reached out to UMass Memorial Health for comment.
WBZ’s Nicole Davis (NicoleDWBZ) reports.
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