EDITOR'S NOTE: Letter to the Editor March 14, 2009:
Although Bedford Regional Medical Center is discontinuing its Obstetric Unit, Dr. David Murphy, obstetrician and gynecologist, will continue his practice located at BRMC. Dr. Murphy will continue to see obstetric and gynecology patients; and, is accepting new patients. All gynecologic and surgical needs will continue to be provided at Bedford Regional Medical Center. BRMC also has clinical relations with other medical facilities within the region. Dr. Murphy will support the needs and wishes of each patient, and will continue to admit patients for delivery at BRMC until April 10. Thereafter, he will admit obstetric patients at other hospitals.
Although BRMC is discontinuing this service, if there is a future community need or changing demand relative to obstetrics, we may re-evaluate our operational decision. We will be discussing options related to OB services in our new hospital facility planning.
Tina McCormick, director,
By Mike Ricketts, Times-Mail
miker@tmnews.com
BEDFORD - No babies will be born at Bedford Regional Medical Center after mid-April.
The Bedford hospital has BRMC public relations and marketing decided to discontinue its obstetrics department, according to BRMC Chief Executive Officer Brad Dykes.
"Very honestly, we had been discussing and planning with the thought of consolidation of the two hospitals," Dykes said. "Frankly, it's the right thing to do. ... We have known it would be something that would be beneficial for the community regardless of the consolidation not happening."
Dykes said the change won't result in layoffs or reduction of hours for any BRMC employees in the OB department.
"I don't think any of our staff will be financially affected," he said. "With other openings, we anticipate transitioning the folks from OB into those other positions."
Dunn Memorial Hospital will continue offering OB services.
Dykes said he doesn't believe there are many cases in which insurance won't pay for the birth to happen at Dunn. But in those isolated cases, the expecting family will have other options, such as Bloomington Hospital.
BRMC has been working with physicians to plan April 10 as the final date of admission for an expectant mother.
The Bedford hospital isn't immune to the recession that is hitting many businesses.
"The impact on us has been noticeable," Dykes said. "We are certainly monitoring our patient census numbers. It is evident more people are out of work and uninsured. As a result of that, we are taking steps to properly manage our budget to control our cost structure."
One thing the hospital has done is to reduce payroll hours in a "modest" way, Dykes said. That has included allowing employees to voluntarily take time off.
Despite the downturn in economy, Dykes said the hospital finished last year strong and hopes to continue that.
"In 2008, we finished in a strong financial position," Dykes said. "And we are moving forward in 2009 trying to maintain that good, strong financial condition."