Marshfield Clinic to expand labor and delivery services in Eau Claire
EAU CLAIRE – Marshfield Clinic Health System will more than double its labor and delivery beds at Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire to meet community needs after recently announced hospital closures on the west side of the state.
According to a news release from Marshfield Clinic Health System, the Eau Claire facility will add 12 beds to its eight-bed unit, accommodating about 550 more births per year at the center.
Marshfield Clinic Health System’s announcement comes after Prevea Health and Hospital Sisters Health System recently announced they plan to close Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and all Prevea locations across the Chippewa Valley by April 21. Prevea residency clinics will remain open longer, closing by June 30.
Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire President Brad Groseth said the system knows the importance of having a comfortable place to deliver children with quality staff and resources.
“As other hospitals and health systems are making difficult decisions, we have determined the steps we can take to increase delivery and labor beds for expectant mothers and their families,” he said.
Marshfield Clinic Health System’s facility in Eau Claire provided care for 446 births last year, according to the release. The Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire midwifery team also re-introduced its services at the system’s Chippewa Falls Center.
According to the release, leaders at Marshfield Clinic Health System continue to meet with health care, municipal and elected officials to discuss the health needs of communities and how care can be provided in a financially sustainable way.
Groseth said the Eau Claire facility is also working on plans to take on an increase in overall patients, especially in emergency and urgent care. The system is recruiting workers and will host additional job fairs to account for serving more patients.
Marshfield Clinic Health System Interim CEO Dr. Brian Hoerneman said health systems in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley area have faced significant challenges over the last several years.
“We remain committed to overcoming those challenges and continuing our mission of providing affordable and compassionate care for our patients and families in the region,” he said.