Stevenson birthing unit not in jeopardy
Alliston, Ontario - July 11, 2013 - In response to concerns arising in local media and on social media sites, Stevenson Memorial Hospital would like patients and community members to know that there are no plans to close the birthing unit at the hospital.
“We are disappointed to hear that rumors are circulating in the community about our birthing unit. I would like to assure the public that there has been no recommendation from the hospital or the Central Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) to close the Stevenson’s birthing unit,” said Annette Jones, President & CEO.
With the Province’s Health System Funding Reform (HSFR) expected to change the way obstetrics cases are funded, Jones said Stevenson recently completed a detailed review of birthing volumes and associated cost. The report did not include any recommendations to close the successful program. It was recently circulated to key internal and external stakeholders for feedback.
“It is our hope to have strategies in place by September to ensure that our model of delivering obstetrical care continues to be highly valued by our patients,” Jones said.
Stevenson has been consistently recognized for 100 per cent patient satisfaction in its birthing unit. A total of 327 babies were delivered there in 2012 and the unit is on pace to surpass that number in 2013.
“We have seen a 12 per cent increase in deliveries so far this year and we expect the numbers will continue to rise as we are serving an area experiencing tremendous growth,” Jones concluded. We believe passionately in our ability to continue providing exceptional care to women and families and we are committed to creating strong, healthy families in the community.”
Media Contact:
Robin MacLennan
Communications Specialist
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
705-435-6281, ext. 4281; Cell 705-792-8584
