To the Editor:
Along with so many others, I am saddened and angered at the decision by Cleveland Clinic to close the Family Birthing Center. While I understand that a nonprofit hospital needs to sustain the costs of operation, I find it hard to believe that “only” 880 births a year would impact their bottom line to a huge deficit.
When the Clinic bought Medina Hospital many were encouraged that a hospital system with a great reputation and vast resources would upgrade the services already in place. Unfortunately, at times, large corporations come to an area and instead of improving existing programs and services they “re-tool” and many essential services are removed.
This is not just a concern for those of child bearing years, it is a concern for the community as a whole. Losing a basic and essential part of our community can cause a domino effect with local business, schools and real estate values all suffering. Honestly, I do not believe the Clinic is accurate in stating many women are choosing to give birth outside of Medina County and would like to know how they made that determination. I have lived here and worked in local health care for 30-plus years and can truthfully say that Medina has always been the birthing hospital of choice with the exception of those with known high-risk pregnancies, but those are the exception, not the rule. I hope that the CCF Board of Directors reconsiders this decision and keeps the birthing center open to provide this basic service for the hundreds of families that give birth locally each year.
Here is a quote from the Cleveland Clinic’s website regarding the birthing center: “The Family Birthing Center at Medina Hospital is dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Our comprehensive birthing services cover every need you, your baby and your family may have. Our staff of highly trained, experienced professionals is dedicated to providing you with the exceptional medical care you deserve.”
I would like to believe that they mean what they say.
Christine Searle
Montville Township
