MyMichigan Health Announces Upcoming Care Delivery Changes for Obstetrics
To ensure obstetrics care is available long into the future, the delivery services available at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Tawas and West Branch will soon be combined. The change will relocate the birth center from Tawas to West Branch with all other obstetrics services leading up to the baby’s delivery and following the baby’s birth continuing to be available locally in Tawas and West Branch. Timing for the change is expected to occur in the next five to eight months with communication to expectant mothers and families a top priority.
This decision comes after a comprehensive evaluation aimed at ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of continued quality health care services in rural communities. The move reflects a national trend, as rural health systems are increasingly faced with the challenge of maintaining financially viable programs amidst lower patient volumes – we are not alone. Obstetric delivery numbers are decreasing, and we are seeing that same trend within our service areas.
Dr. Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health emphasized the importance of having dedicated health care professionals in place to support this transition.
“By combining our talented teams to MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch to support each other, we will better ensure our ability to have this high-quality service available well into the future for our patients. West Branch is positioned to support the higher patient volumes and will serve a broad range of patients in our region,” continued Dr. Watson. “While patients from Tawas will experience a slightly longer commute for the birth of their baby, the transition, when it occurs, will be carefully communicated to ensure minimal disruption.”
“We recognize the decision to close the birthing center is significant for our community. However, after extensive review and analysis of recent data collected, as well as that of previous studies of the maternity services program in Tawas, the volumes of the two programs are just not there,” said Dr. Watson. “We are truly sorry for the difficulties this may cause and are dedicated to assisting our communities during this period of change.”
Christopher Landrey, D.O., MyMichigan Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tawas City, weighed in on the announcement. “While the demand for labor and delivery care is not what it once was, it truly has been a privilege to deliver so many babies here in Tawas over the years,” said Dr. Landrey. “Our team remains fully committed to providing the very best care for expectant mothers and their newborns. We will work closely with patients to manage labor and delivery care with our exceptional team of colleagues in West Branch.”
Approximately 37 miles west of Tawas, MyMichigan has previously invested in reinstating obstetrics services at West Branch, making it well-equipped to handle increased delivery volumes. In fact, the Maternity Center at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch reopened in 2021 after receiving $2 million in improvements and equipment purchases to create a comfortable, family-focused Center for women to give birth. The state-of the-art facility features advanced facilities to support mothers through the birthing process. It includes four labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum (LDRP) suites, three private care rooms, a renovated cesarean-section delivery suite, an upgraded nursery, and a new advanced security system, all designed to ensure the highest quality care for both mother and baby.
In addition, MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch was recently granted a new designation as a “Maternity Care Access Hospital” from U.S. News & World Report. The Medical Center was one of eight in Michigan and one of 73 in the United States to receive the designation that recognizes hospitals that provide access to vital maternity care services in their community.
“While the location for delivery will change for some patients, obstetric services before and after birth along with a robust gynecological program will remain available at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Tawas and West Branch and will be supported by our team of highly skilled nurses, obstetricians, and support staff,” said Dr. Watson. “We understand that change can be challenging, especially during such a significant time in the life of mom and family. However, we will do all that we can to support mothers and their families through this transition to ensure all involved receive the high-quality care they deserve. You can trust that we will do all that we can to make this transition as smooth as possible. You have our promise.”
Expectant mothers in the Tawas service area are encouraged to contact MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology at (989) 362-2540 with any questions or concerns. Those interested in more information on maternity services available through MyMichigan Health, may visit www.mymichigan.org/maternity
