Johnson hospital to shut down obstetrics, Maternity Care Center

Johnson Memorial Health will be phasing out its obstetrics services and Maternity Care Center.

The hospital made the announcement Friday, saying that the closing is due to unsustainable health insurance reimbursement structures and rising healthcare costs.

Hospital President and CEO Dr. David Dunkle said this is a difficult decision “because delivering babies and caring for them and their moms has been such an important part of our mission for decades.”

The phasing out of the Maternity Care Center is expected to take several months. The hospital plans to work with patients to ensure a smooth transition to partner providers. Expectant parents will be informed of the changes at their next appointment, and updated on a continuity of care plan.

Johnson Memorial Hospital said in a statement that “by making these changes now, we are creating a path toward long-term sustainability.”