Lincoln Memorial Hospital plans to close its maternity ward by the end of the year… raising concerns about the ability of some Central Illinois residents to access such services in the future.
The hospital says demand for labor and delivery services is down… and by reallocating those beds to other needs, it can provide more and better care in other areas.
But WCIA reports the decision could leave some expectant mothers traveling 25 to 50 miles away to give birth… or could lead to more babies being born in the emergency room.
