Citing the financial well-being of the hospital district, Oak Valley Hospital CEO John McCormick announced that he will be looking into shutting down obstetrics treatment and child birthing at the Oakdale hospital.

The move, if finalized, will force Oakdale residents to Modesto and Manteca hospitals for near-by child birthing care.

“It’s typical for small hospitals not to have obstetrics,” said McCormick. “It’s a money losing department. It’s a painful decision, but I have to be financially prudent.”

McCormick’s announcement was made to hospital workers on Monday, Jan. 21and made public at the Wednesday, Jan. 23 board of directors meeting.

The board scheduled two dates in February for public comment on the issue.

McCormick, who has been CEO less than a year, said he made the call for the proposal because of contending establishments in the district. McCormick named a recently opened urgent care center that now competes with emergency room services and that the other hospitals were also in close proximity drawing away patients.  

“Sometimes we have to make hard decisions,” said Board President Dan Cummins at the meeting. “The decision (to close) will be made with the overall health of the district in mind.”

The board scheduled the public forums for Wednesdays Feb. 13 and Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. They will be held in the hospital’s Royal Oak and Charter Oak Rooms at 1425 W. Oak St.

For the entire story, read the Jan. 30 edition of The Oakdale Leader.