BAYLOR SCOTT AND WHITE BIRTH SERVICES CONTINUE FOR NOW
Brenham’s local hospital will continue to offer Labor and Delivery Care, for now.
The local Board of Directors for Brenham’s Baylor Scott and White Hospital voted Tuesday against a proposal to discontinue childbirth services. Shirley Herring, Chairman of the local Board, says that Baylor Scott and White’s reason for wanting to end Labor and Delivery Care at the Brenham hospital is not about money, but rather the lack of a second certified OB/GYN. With the recent death of Dr. Wylie Nobles, the hospital only has Dr. Aaron Campbell available to handle OB/GYN emergencies and cases. Herring says a minimum of two doctors is required, and that Baylor Scott and White administration has been unable to find someone to fill that slot.
Wednesday afternoon, Jason Jennings, President and CEO of Baylor Scott and White’s College Station region, which includes Brenham, issued the following statement concerning Tuesday’s vote:
Brenham Community,
Providing safe, quality and compassionate care is at the center of our longstanding commitment to Brenham. Every person who enters our doors is more than a patient—they are our family and friends. The care we deliver is personal; it’s because of this, we want to deliver the very best care possible.
We regularly review our service lines to ensure they are meeting the needs of our community as well as our own high standards of care. Our evaluation of labor and delivery services stemmed from several factors, including unexpected staffing changes with OB/GYN physicians and L&D nurses, the ongoing trend of expectant mothers leaving Brenham to deliver and the low number of births occurring at our facility. As a result, we will be challenged in meeting new state maternal designation requirements due to the staffing and coverage issues listed above.
In light of this, our hospital’s operating board met last night. After heartfelt discussion, the board determined additional time was needed to evaluate our options related to L&D. As such these services will continue at this time. Should there be any changes to our services, we will keep you informed.
Our commitment to Brenham remains strong. Over the past 18 months, we have invested more than $4 million in renovations, new equipment and new services, including the addition of three clinics, a new outpatient orthopedic service line, expanded physical and occupational therapy clinic, a new pain clinic, and we have plans to add cardiac rehabilitation in the coming months. Our Brenham roots are—and will—remain strong.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jason Jennings
President
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Brenham
It has been just seven weeks since Dr. Nobles’ death. The hospital is apparently on a short timetable to find a replacement doctor who is a certified OB/GYN.