Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to close birthing center, citing $5M projected loss
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont plans to close its birthing center within six to nine months, citing unsustainable financial losses. The center delivers more than 200 babies annually, and the projected loss for the current fiscal year totals approximately $5 million, according to the hospital.
The decision has prompted a coalition of local leaders, including the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, to rally in support of the facility. The coalition's executive director warned that losing the obstetrics unit could be "the first step toward losing the entire hospital."
Hospital staff are working with state officials in an effort to avoid the planned closure. Vermont Agency of Human Services officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Hospital officials said operations will not be affected leading up to the closure date.