After more than 70 years of delivering babies in Wayne County, Rochester Regional Health has begun the state approval process to close inpatient labor and delivery services at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.
The proposed closure would affect inpatient labor and delivery, newborn nursery, and post-partum services at the Newark hospital. Rochester Regional Health said the process is pending final approval from the New York State Department of Health.
Hospital officials said labor and delivery services will continue operating during the approval process. Outpatient OB/GYN care will also remain available at the Women’s Center – Newark on the hospital campus, both during and after any closure.
Rochester Regional Health emphasized that Newark-Wayne Community Hospital will remain open and continue providing emergency care, surgeries, and other inpatient and outpatient services.
According to the health system, declining birth rates and ongoing workforce shortages made it increasingly difficult to safely staff a 24/7 labor and delivery unit at the hospital.
“Safe deliveries require reliable, around-the-clock coverage by specialized clinicians,” said Michael Rulffes, president and chief operating officer of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic. “We’ve also been challenged here, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the highest level of care we offer at this location.”
Rochester Regional Health said expectant mothers who currently receive care through Newark-Wayne will be guided through the transition process, with inpatient deliveries shifting to Rochester General Hospital and other appropriate facilities.
Dr. Marcy Mulconry, executive medical director and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said prenatal visits, gynecology care, family planning, preventive screenings, and postpartum support will continue to be offered locally.
Hospital officials said emergency care for expectant mothers will still be available through the Newark-Wayne emergency department when needed.
