R.I. Department of Health approves plan to shut Memorial Hospital birthing center

THE R.I. Department of Health has approved Care New England's proposal to close the birthing center at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island as part of a restructuring. / COURTESY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF RHODE ISLAND
THE R.I. Department of Health has approved Care New England's proposal to close the birthing center at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island as part of a restructuring. / COURTESY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF RHODE ISLAND

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Health has approved Care New England’s proposal to transfer obstetrics services from Memorial Hospital to Kent Hospital, and Women and Infants Hospital.

Care New England announced in February its plan to restructure Memorial Hospital, which is in Pawtucket, and move obstetrics services to the other hospitals.

The state department said last week that its decision includes conditions to ensure access to care for patients and communities served by Care New England, and based them after feedback from public meetings in Central Falls and Pawtucket, and comments from Rhode Islanders throughout the state.

As a result of the decision, Care New England must provide transportation for patients to other hospitals within the network for a nine-month minimum, and to submit a plan to replicate Memorial Hospital’s “unique, alternative birthing experience at another Care New England hospital,” according to a press release from the state department.
It noted Care New England’s financial standing “has grown increasingly unstable” since 2013. “Flagging inpatient income” at Memorial was one of the reasons hospital officials gave earlier this year for the restructuring. Care New England officials also told the state agency that births were declining at Memorial.
Through the restructuring, Memorial Hospital will become largely an outpatient facility, with primary care and specialty services, as well as an Emergency Department, orthopedic and outpatient surgical services, and a small inpatient unit.
“Care New England’s current financial situation has serious implications, not just for Memorial Hospital, but for patients, communities and employees throughout Rhode Island,” Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, state director of health, said in a statement. “We listened carefully to the community throughout this process. Our decision is responsive to those who expressed their preference for Memorial’s unique birthing environment, while at the same time helping to ensure that people throughout Rhode Island continue to receive quality, affordable care.”
Care New England cannot transfer obstetrics services from Memorial Hospital until after Aug. 1.
Meanwhile, state Rep. David A. Coughlin Jr., D-Pawtucket, said he is “disgusted” with the health department’s decision to close the birthing center at Memorial, calling it “cold-hearted.”

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“I am disgusted and frustrated with Governor Raimondo and Dr. Alexander-Scott’s cold-hearted decision to side with corporate special interests over the needs of Pawtucket’s middle class and underserved families. The health department’s approval of Care New England’s request to close its birthing unit is a sad day for our community. It is incredibly disappointing when the leaders of this state favor corporate greed over the health and well-being of an entire community. I am hopeful that the lawsuit being brought forth by Pawtucket and Central Falls will have a positive impact on this dire situation, and I pledge to continue to fight for the mothers, children and families who rely on Memorial Hospital for necessary health services,” Coughlin said in a statement.

The decision also stated that Care New England shall engage an outplacement services firm for displaced staff, and notify staff of this career transition service; and that Care New England shall cover any additional out-of-pockets costs for current Memorial obstetric patients with commercial health insurance whose obstetrical care is transferred to other Care New England hospitals.

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