Astria Toppenish Hospital to close Family Maternity Center in January

Astria Toppenish Hospital will close its Family Maternity Center on January 14, 2023, due to unsustainable operational conditions. Administrator Cathy Bambrick announced the decision, attributing it to rising costs, labor shortages, and reduced Medicaid reimbursement. The hospital has reported a $3. 2 million loss over the past year in attempts to maintain labor and delivery services. Emergency Department Medical Director Dr.

Raul Garcia confirmed that emergency staff will provide care for patients in active labor, stabilizing them before transferring to nearby facilities. The closure reflects broader issues impacting rural healthcare access, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. Despite the maternity center's closure, the hospital will continue offering various inpatient and outpatient services, including acute care and behavioral health. This decision has significant implications for local families and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers in maintaining essential services. Community members may need to seek alternative facilities for maternity care moving forward.