Lower Bucks to end baby delivery

BRISTOL - After having evaluDWHG WKH FOLnLFDO DnG finDnFLDO viability of its obstetric program following the exodus of its busiest obstetrical practice, Lower BuFNs HRsSLWDO RIfiFLDOs sDLG they will be forced to discontinue delivering babies as early as Dec. 31.

During the transition, hospiWDO RIfiFLDOs sDLG WKHy wLOO EH working closely with expectant mothers to make sure their deliveries are performed safely at Lower Bucks Hospital or at other nearby hospitals. In preliminary discussions, several hospitals have agreed to accommodate the ELUWKs DnG WR wRUN WRwDUG finGing homes for the displaced staff PHPEHUs wKR PDy nRW fiOO RSHn positions at Lower Bucks Hospital.

The former administration had been considering closing its obstetrical service for a number of yHDUs GuH WR LWs nHgDWLvH finDnFLDO impact and the major investment it would take to keep the program competitive. Given the legal climate surrounding the delivery of babies in the Philadelphia area and the high cost of malpractice insurance for both the hospital and the obstetricians, the recent loss of deliveries associated with the vacating obstetrical practice has made it impossible to sustain the progUDP, sDLG KRsSLWDO RIfiFLDOs.

“It is with great regret that we have to end such a wonderful and long-standing service,” said Peter Adamo, CKLHI ExHFuWLvH 2IfiFHU. “BuW if we want to save the hospiWDO DnG SURvLGH fiUsW-FODss FDUH to the community, these sorts of actions are necessary as we rebuild the hospital for long term success.”