Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s (MRHC) management team announced this morning (Wednesday) birthing and delivery services will be suspended at the hospital through the end of this year. With the annual numbers of births taking place at MRHC declining, down to only 17 in the past year, CEO John O’Brien said it has had an impact on the opportunities for staff to work in a best-practice model of care and maintain their skills. “Our number one priority has always been and will always be providing high-quality care,” O’Brien said. “At this point, we sincerely feel it is in the best interest of our patients to suspend those onsite services,” he added. Expecting mothers and patients currently receiving prenatal care at MRHC may continue with their current provider. MRHC has entered into an agreement with St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, and Dr. Douglas McClaws and Dr. Isabella Ahanogbe will perform delivery and birthing services at St. Anthony. MRHC is working with expectant mothers to conduct tours of The Birthplace and to answer any questions they may have. For more information on these service changes, contact Chief Nursing Officer, Linn Block, at 712-655-2072.
