Many pregnant women around Greater Cleveland are unhappy to find out they'll have to choose another hospital for their deliveries.
Cleveland Clinic-Medina Hospital confirmed its Labor and Delivery department is closing on July 1.
According to Cleveland Clinic staff, patients will be directed to Fairview or Akron General, if they want to stay with their doctors. Both hospitals are about 30 minutes away from Medina.
"The last thing you want to think about"
Sarah Davis is expecting her fourth child early August and she told News 5 she is not happy.
"When you're in labor that's the last thing you want to think about. How far you have to get to your hospital," Davis said.
Davis had all three of her children at Medina Hospital, after researching and finding a doctor she likes. Medina Hospital is what she said she's comfortable with.
"My labors are so fast, I don't think I'm going to make it anywhere but Medina," Davis said. "My last baby was born in less than 53 minutes. From my first contraction to the time she came out at the hospital," she explained.
Switching doctors
Davis has been redirected to Akron General, if she wants to stay with her doctor.
"If I have to hike down the road thirty minutes? My husband is going to be deliver this baby on the side of the road," she said. "Who wants to switch doctors halfway through their pregnancy? Especially when they've delivered your other three children safely."
Medina Hospital sees 800 babies delivered every year; that's about 2 every day. So, Davis is not alone in her frustration. News 5 heard from several women today, also with summer due dates, who aren't happy about heading to another hospital.
Why the closure?
So why is the Cleveland Clinic closing the Labor and Delivery doors here in Medina July 1?
A spokesman said the hospital is changing its approach to services at its various campuses.
"Focusing services allows us to provide the highest level of care for mothers and babies; and having the highest level NICU in close proximity is an advantage for families." -Cleveland Clinic
Sara Davis told News 5 she's hoping, with all the patient pushback, and few options nearby, the clinic will reconsider.
