Somerset Hospital has announced that within the next 60 days, it will no longer deliver babies.
It’s the last hospital in Somerset County to have an Obstetrics unit. The board and administration say the decision was made with great sadness. They say it’s necessary, because one of only two doctors performing deliveries at Somerset Hospital has decided to join another practice.
“Somerset Hospital has always taken pride in providing mothers and their babies with highly experienced and compassionate medical and nursing care,” says Craig Saylor, Chief Executive Officer of Somerset Hospital. “However, without a complete healthcare team in place, the hospital recognizes that it will no longer be able to provide obstetrical services. Somerset Hospital will continue to offer gynecology surgery services. We are working closely with Conemaugh and Dr. Camacho to ensure a positive transition of care for our maternity patients.”
The hospital says it’s tried for years to recruit more Obstetricians, but has been unable to.
Both Somerset and Conemaugh say they are committed to continuing to provide convenient, prenatal, post-natal and gynecology services in the Somerset community. Dr. Camacho will keep his office at 126 East Church Street in Somerset.
Conemaugh Memorial is prepared to handle deliveries for Somerset patients. “We are excited to welcome new patients to our practice,” says Dr. Adib Khouzami, maternal fetal medicine specialist and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Conemaugh. “Work has been underway to increase staffing and accommodations to ensure a safe, comfortable, convenient, and positive experience for all patients who choose to deliver at Conemaugh.”
The State Health Department says at least 23% of Pennsylvania’s Obstetric units have closed since 2004.
