The decision to restructure comes after a monthslong review of the hospital’s obstetrics program, which included extensive community outreach and input.
The announcement Thursday states the local board overseeing the Belfast hospital has approved restructuring the hospital’s obstetrics department, which includes ending inpatient labor and delivery services as of April 1, MaineHealth said in a news release.
“The decision was ratified by the MaineHealth Board of Trustees today,” the release stated.
“Hospital leaders chose April 1, 2025, to transition the program so that patients who are four or more months pregnant won’t have to change their delivery plans. That five-month window exceeds the State of Maine’s requirement of providing 120 days’ notice of such a closure,” the release added.
The new structure will continue providing and expanding comprehensive pre- and post-natal care, and will partner with MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and other nearby hospitals for labor and delivery services, according …