Labor, delivery leaves Bluffton Hospital permanently

Blanchard Valley Health System announced Friday that Bluffton Hospital labor and delivery services, which temporarily closed in December due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will not reopen. Labor and delivery services have been consolidated to the Blanchard Valley Hospital campus in Findlay. "Over the last several decades, BVHS has consistently invested in maintaining obstetric services at Bluffton Hospital," said Myron D. Lewis, president and CEO of the health system, in a press release. "During that time birth rates have fallen, and more and more women are having babies at a later age. This has steadily increased the acuity and risk factors for mom and baby. This was not an easy decision." "Our OB-GYN office remains open. Our physicians and midwives will be readily available in the Bluffton practice as they always have, to serve the community. All prenatal care will remain available at the office, as well as gynecological surgery and prenatal classes at Bluffton Hospital," said Valerie Johnson, BSN, RN, director of women's health services, in the release. Of the 33 critical access hospitals in Ohio, only nine continue to offer labor and delivery services, the health system said. "While Bluffton Hospital has always focused on quality services, the low number of deliveries means there is a higher risk to our patients," said Barbara J. Pasztor, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care. "By consolidating labor and delivery services to the Findlay campus, we can ensure that our moms and babies are receiving the safest possible care." "The experience that women have had in Bluffton Hospital labor and delivery has always been near and dear to our hearts," she added. "Blanchard Valley Hospital will work with patients, nurses, midwives and physicians to create a birthing center within the Findlay hospital. We will provide a home-like atmosphere, focused on families and a natural birthing experience. The added safety benefit will be nearby pediatricians and surgery staff to respond in the event of an unforeseen emergency. While this can't replace Bluffton Hospital's labor and delivery services, we are committed to re-create many of the special features for our families."