News: Obstetrical Services are shifting from Soin Medical Center to Kettering Health's Main Campus and Washington Township location. Read more about this healthcare update.">
Soin Medical Center OB Services to Transition to Kettering Health Facilities
Table of Contents
- 1. Soin Medical Center OB Services to Transition to Kettering Health Facilities
- 2. What This Means for Patients
- 3. A Look at kettering Health’s Network
- 4. Understanding Obstetrical care Levels
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the Transition
- 6. What are the potential consequences of increased travel distances for expectant mothers in Greene County and surrounding areas due to the closure?
- 7. Kettering Health Announces Closure of Obstetric Services at Major Hospital Facility
- 8. Impact on Maternity Care in the Region
- 9. Reasons Cited for the Closure
- 10. What This Means for Expectant Mothers
- 11. Alternative Options for Maternity Care
- 12. The Broader Trend: Hospital closures and Maternity Care Deserts
- 13. Resources for Expectant Mothers
Dayton, OH – A notable change is underway for maternity care in the region as Obstetrics (OB) services currently provided at Soin Medical Center will be consolidated and relocated to Kettering Health Main Campus and Kettering Health Washington Township. This transition, as reported earlier today at 11:00 AM, marks a strategic realignment of resources within the Kettering Health network.
the decision to move OB services aims to enhance the level of specialized care available to expectant mothers and newborns. Both Kettering Health Main Campus and Kettering Health Washington Township are equipped with advanced facilities and a team of experienced obstetricians, neonatologists, and support staff. According to the American Hospital Association, hospital consolidation is becoming increasingly common as healthcare systems seek to improve efficiency and quality of care.
What This Means for Patients
Expectant parents who previously planned to deliver at Soin Medical Center will now be offered the opportunity to continue their care at either Kettering Health Main Campus or Kettering Health Washington township.Representatives from Kettering Health have stated they are proactively contacting patients to discuss individualized transition plans. Its expected that this change will provide greater access to a broader range of maternal and neonatal services.
A Look at kettering Health’s Network
Kettering Health is a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Ohio,comprising multiple hospitals,urgent care centers,and physician offices. This consolidation of OB services is part of a larger effort to streamline operations and concentrate specialized expertise in designated facilities. Here’s a quick comparison of the key facilities involved:
| Facility | Location | Key OB Features |
|---|---|---|
| Soin Medical Center | Beavercreek, OH | Previously offered full-range OB services (now transitioning) |
| Kettering Health Main Campus | Kettering, OH | Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), High-Risk OB Unit |
| Kettering health Washington Township | Centerville, OH | Comprehensive OB services, Labor and Delivery suites |
Did You Know? The Level III NICU at Kettering Health Main Campus is equipped to handle the most complex cases, providing critical care for premature or critically ill newborns.
Pro Tip: Expectant parents should contact their healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding their care plan following this transition.
The shift in OB services comes amid a national trend towards regionalization of specialized medical care. Hospital systems are increasingly focused on creating centers of excellence to improve outcomes and manage costs. This initiative reflects the ongoing evolution of healthcare delivery in the region. Do you think consolidating specialized services improves patient care?
Will this transition affect the overall quality of maternal care in the Dayton area?
Understanding Obstetrical care Levels
The level of obstetric care a hospital provides is categorized based on the complexity of cases it can handle. Here’s a brief overview:
- Level I: Basic care for uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
- Level II: care for moderate risk pregnancies and deliveries, with some specialized services available.
- Level III: Comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies and deliveries, including a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Level IV: Regional perinatal center with the highest level of care for the most complex cases.
Access to higher levels of care is crucial for managing complications and ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mothers and babies. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides further information regarding levels of obstetric care.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Transition
- What is happening with OB services at Soin Medical Center? OB services are being consolidated and moved to Kettering Health Main Campus and Washington Township.
- Will my doctor be changing? Kettering Health is working with patients to ensure continuity of care, but you should confirm with your provider.
- What if I already have a delivery scheduled at Soin? you will be contacted by kettering Health to discuss your options and transition plans.
- What are the benefits of delivering at Kettering health Main Campus? Access to a Level III NICU and high-risk OB unit are significant benefits.
- Where can I find more information about the transition? Contact Kettering Health directly or speak with your healthcare provider.
What are the potential consequences of increased travel distances for expectant mothers in Greene County and surrounding areas due to the closure?
Kettering Health Announces Closure of Obstetric Services at Major Hospital Facility
Impact on Maternity Care in the Region
Kettering Health’s recent declaration to discontinue obstetric services at Soin Medical center has sent ripples thru the Dayton, Ohio, community. This decision, effective November 15, 2025, significantly reduces access to maternity care, obstetric services, and labor and delivery options for expectant mothers in Greene County and surrounding areas.The closure impacts not only planned pregnancies but also emergency obstetric situations. Residents are now facing increased travel distances for complete prenatal care and childbirth.
Reasons Cited for the Closure
Kettering Health officials have attributed the closure to several factors, primarily focusing on financial sustainability and staffing challenges. Specifically:
* Declining Birth Rates: A nationwide trend of decreasing birth rates has impacted hospital maternity units, leading to lower patient volumes and reduced revenue.
* Staffing Shortages: Like many healthcare facilities, Kettering Health is experiencing a shortage of qualified obstetricians, nurses, and other essential personnel needed to safely operate a full-service labor and delivery unit. The nursing shortage is a critical component of this issue.
* Financial Pressures: Maintaining a 24/7 obstetric unit is expensive, requiring significant investment in specialized equipment, training, and staffing. Declining reimbursement rates from insurance providers further exacerbate these financial pressures.
* Consolidation of Services: Kettering Health intends to consolidate obstetric services at its other facilities, including Kettering Medical Center and Greene Memorial Hospital, aiming to optimize resources and improve the overall quality of care.
What This Means for Expectant Mothers
The closure presents several challenges for pregnant women in the affected area:
* Increased Travel Distance: Patients will need to travel further to access maternity hospitals, potentially impacting access to timely emergency obstetric care.
* Limited Availability: existing maternity units at other Kettering Health facilities and competing hospitals may experience increased demand, leading to longer wait times and limited bed availability.
* Disruption of Care: Women already receiving prenatal care at Soin Medical Center will need to transfer their care to another provider, potentially disrupting established relationships and continuity of care.
* Impact on Rural Access: The closure disproportionately affects rural residents who already face barriers to healthcare access.
Alternative Options for Maternity Care
Expectant mothers in the region have several options:
- Kettering Medical Center: Located in Kettering, Ohio, this facility continues to offer a full range of obstetric services.
- greene Memorial Hospital: Also part of the Kettering Health network,Greene Memorial Hospital provides maternity care.
- Miami Valley Hospital: Located in Dayton, Miami valley Hospital is a Level III trauma center with a comprehensive maternity department.
- Atrium medical Center: Situated in Middletown, Ohio, Atrium Medical Center offers maternity services and is another viable option.
- Independant Birthing Centers & Midwives: Exploring options like certified nurse midwives and birthing centers can provide a more personalized approach to care, though they may not be suitable for high-risk pregnancies.
The Broader Trend: Hospital closures and Maternity Care Deserts
Kettering Health’s decision is part of a larger national trend of hospitals closing maternity units.This is creating maternity care deserts – areas with limited or no access to obstetric services. According to the March of Dimes, over 36% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts.Factors contributing to this trend include:
* Low Reimbursement Rates: Medicaid reimbursement rates for maternity care are frequently enough lower than the cost of providing services.
* Increased Liability Costs: Malpractice insurance costs for obstetricians are high, contributing to financial pressures.
* Rural Hospital Challenges: Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable to closure due to low patient volumes and limited financial resources.
Resources for Expectant Mothers
* March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/ – Provides details on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
* Kettering Health: https://www.ketteringhealth.org/ – Offers information on their remaining maternity services and provider locations
