A hospital in northern Idaho has been closed for labor and delivery services. This was due to staffing issues as well as the “legal and politically charged climate” of the state.
Jen Jackson Quintano (43), had planned to have her baby at Sandpoint, Idaho, where she lives with just over 9,000 people a few years back.
She was experiencing complications and was rushed to Bonner General Health. This is the only hospital that offers labor and delivery services in the area. She gave birth to a healthy girl after an emergency csection.
Jackson Quintano said that he couldn’t imagine what the situation might have been if he had to travel all of the way to Coeur d’Alene, or if if he had to take me to the emergency room.
This is a new reality in the community for pregnant women.
Jackson Quintano stated that people in the town feel sadness, shock, and outrage. “Who will be serving mothers and their kids and what are our options for reducing maternal mortality?”
The hospital’s board and senior leadership team stated in a news release that they had “made every effort” to eliminate labor and delivery services.
Bonner General Health’s board President Ford Elsaesser stated in a written statement that “we hoped to be an exception, but our problems are impossible to overcome now.”
Sandpoint residents will need to travel at least 46 miles to reach the nearest hospital for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
Closure of the ‘Legal-Political Climate’
According to the news release the “emotional, difficult decision” was made because of the loss of pediatric coverage to “manage neonatal resuscitations. and perinatal care,” as well as a decrease in babies born at the hospital.
Three separate near-total abortion bans are currently in Idaho: One prohibits abortion after 6 weeks; one bans abortions without exception for rape or the death of a pregnant person; and one allows family members to sue doctors for providing abortion care
The news release stated that “highly respected and talented physicians are departing.” It will be extremely difficult to find replacements. The Idaho Legislature continues to pass and introduce bills that criminalize doctors for providing medical care nationally recognized by the standard of care. Idaho Physicians who provide the standard of care could face civil litigation or criminal prosecution that could lead to jail time and fines.
Bonner General Health representatives stated that “patient safety” is their top priority and that losing pediatric coverage was the “final barrier” that led to the closure of Labor and Delivery services.
The representative stated that Bonner General Health’s leadership reached out to retired and active providers in the community asking for assistance with pediatric call coverage. However, there are no long-term sustainable solutions. “There is hope that there will soon be labor and delivery services in our community.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says less that half of rural women live within 30 minutes of the nearest hospitaloffering care during pregnancy. A 2011 study showed that pregnant women who had to travel further for maternity care suffered from poor health.
Jackson Quintano, a Sandpoint resident for over 11 years, stated that Dr. Amelia Huntsberger is leaving the state. Huntsberger confirmed this in an email to The Idaho Capital Sun newspaper.
Doctors aspirants need to rethink their plans
Some OBGYNs are leaving the state and some doctors are considering other options.
Nicolette Jessen (27), recently graduated medical school. She had hoped to return to Sandpoint as an OBGYN.
She must now change her plans.
Jessen said that she was in mourning when she found out all this. Sandpoint was my plan A. B. C. D. But what should you do first? Is it your desire to have a family in a safe place or your desire for full-scope care that can provide abortion care? It’s painful.”
She adds that “things can change, which I hope they do.” “I cannot even imagine how the OBGYNs feel right now.”
TODAY.com spoke with a young labor and delivery nurse who had been working at Bonner Health for almost six years. She said that hospital leadership announced on March 16 that the unit would close and that all of them would be losing their jobs.
She said that she was happy to see national light shed on the effects of state abortion bans. However, she stated that she believes that the decision to close the labor and delivery unit is due to “money” and “the greed of our hospital system and health care system in this country.”
The nurse stated, “Yes, these laws and legislation must be out — they are not OK.” “But…most obstetrical units aren’t financially viable for hospitals.”
A 2017 study in Health Affairs found that 9% of rural counties lost hospital labor and delivery services from 2004 to 2014. Many blame financial problems. More than half of rural areas don’t have access to hospital-based care for their perinatal needs.
Bonner General Health’s representative confirmed in writing that the “leadership” had met with staff to review the reasons for closing the facility.
The representative stated that Human Resources and Nursing Leadership are working hard to keep and encourage their valued and talented employees to take on other organizational roles.
Now, the nurse is applying for a new job. She said that she is rethinking her plans to start family.
She said, “I had planned to have a baby next spring in that hospital with doctors I trust and nurses I love.” “I guess that’s gone, since I don’t have access to prenatal care besides driving to a big town.”
She added, “I’m not pregnant or even close to being pregnant, but it was in my cards.” “Now, I don’t even know.”
