Media Center

"Upfront with the Community" A letter from President & CEO Myron Lewis

05.07.2021

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) will maintain the consolidation of labor and delivery services to the Findlay main campus.

Bluffton Hospital labor and delivery services temporarily closed in December of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will

not reopen.

 

Over the last several decades, BVHS has consistently invested in maintaining obstetric services at Bluffton Hospital. During that

time, birth rates have fallen, and more and more women are having babies at a later age. This has steadily increased the acuity and

risk factors for mom and baby. This was not an easy decision.

 

The obstetric and gynecologic providers that are employed by BVHS will remain a fixture in the Bluffton community. All prenatal

care will remain available at the office as well as gynecological surgery and prenatal classes at Bluffton Hospital. Also, all BVHS

associates who work in the Bluffton Hospital labor and delivery department will retain jobs within the organization.

 

Of the 33 critical access hospitals in Ohio, only nine continue to offer labor and delivery services. While Bluffton Hospital has

always focused on quality services, the low number of deliveries means there is a higher risk to our patients. By consolidating labor

and delivery services to the Findlay campus, we can ensure that our moms and babies are receiving the safest possible care.

 

The experience that women have had in Bluffton Hospital labor and delivery has always been very special to us. Blanchard Valley

Hospital will work with patients, nurses, midwives and physicians to create a birthing center within the Findlay hospital. We will

provide a home-like atmosphere, focused on families and a natural birthing experience. The added safety benefit will be nearby

pediatricians and surgery staff to respond in the event of an unforeseen emergency. While this can’t replace Bluffton Hospital’s

labor and delivery services, we are committed to re-create many of the special features for our families.

 

BVHS remains committed to maintaining quality care at Bluffton Hospital. Our team at Bluffton Hospital has always raised the bar

and provided exceptional care and patient experience. We continue to provide general medical inpatient services, outpatient services,

surgery, podiatry, infusion therapy and specialty health services such as cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, ear,

nose and throat, general surgery, pain management and urology.

 

Additionally, Bluffton Hospital also offers 24/7 emergency care, imaging, mammography, laboratory services, rehab services,

wound care, cardio-pulmonary services and inpatient care.

 

 

 

Myron D. Lewis

Blanchard Valley Health System

President & CEO

 



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