News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Hospital Closes Obstectric Services...Temporarily

Hospital Closes Obstectric Services...Temporarily

Fiscal Decision By Mountains Community Hospital

By Michael P. Neufeld
Sunday, July 5, 2009

Lake Arrowhead, CA - The "temporary" closure of the Obstetric Service (The Birthing Center) at Mountains Community Hospital (MCH) is apparently a fiscal decision based on rising costs and uncertain revenues.

Hospital administrator Charles Harrison presented the "temporary" closure to his board of directors who agreed the step was necessary during the hospital's efforts to adjust its budget during difficult economic times.

Entrance to Mountains Community Hospital (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

A statement issued by hospital spokesperson Tom Bachman read: "Effective July 1, the Obstetric Service is temporarily closed. Women who are expecting a child should consult with the physician regarding where to go when they begin labor."

Bachman emphasized that pregnant women could still utilize the Emergency Department at the hospital, but that once labor begins, they should follow their physician's instructions.

Hospital sources indicate the Ob-Gyn Service provided service to roughly 130 newborns each year.

MCH has had a multi-year contract with Arrowhead Ob-Gyn, owned by Dr. George Remisovsky and Dr. William Deschner, to provide staffing for The Birthing Center.

Dr. Deschner has already announced he has accepted a position at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. Swedish Medical Center welcomes more babies into the world each year than in other hospital in Washington.

This article was first published on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:15 am. This article has been viewed 721 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.