Saint Alphonsus Announces Discontinuation of Obstetric Services at SAMC-Baker City
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, June 23rd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Baker City – (Release by Saint Alphonsus) Saint Alphonsus Health System announced today the decision to discontinue Obstetrical services at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City.
Over the last four years, deliveries at SAMC – Baker City have declined at a record rate. Since fiscal year 2020, deliveries have declined from 128 deliveries per year to a projected 75 deliveries in fiscal year 2023. In addition to the four-year trending decline, we have an increasingly unsustainable crisis in our ability to staff the Obstetrics Department adequately with temporary or permanent staff to meet staffing requirements – even with significantly high agency compensation rates. The urgency of the situation has escalated due to recent staff resignations and changes. With this developing situation and Safety as one of Saint Alphonsus Health System’s Core Values, the difficult but necessary decision has been made to close the Obstetrics Program.
SAMC – Baker City is committed to doing everything possible to provide the continuity of care that patients deserve, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of our providers and colleagues. We are working diligently with the Obstetric staff and providers at SAMC – Baker City and Saint Alphonsus Health System to ensure that those patients scheduled through July 30, 2023, are cared for at SAMC–Baker City.
The staff impacted by this closure will be encouraged to apply for open positions and transfer to other departments within SAMC–Baker City or transfer to the health system’s hospitals in Ontario, Nampa or Boise. Opportunities also exist within Saint Alphonsus Medical Group at various clinic locations in Oregon and Idaho.We understand this incredibly difficult decision will impact our patients, community, colleagues, and physicians. SAMC – Baker City is committed to continuing to be a transforming healing presence in our community and continuing our 126-year legacy of compassionate service to the residents of Baker County.
