Providence Seaside Hospital Ends Obstetrics Services

SEASIDE, Ore. – Providence Seaside Hospital will close its obstetrics and inpatient newborn care services on October 4th. High costs,fewer births,and a lack of healthcare professionals are driving this difficult decision.

The closure impacts several key areas: labor and delivery, newborn inpatient care, and outpatient prenatal/gynecologic surgical services requiring an OB/GYN physician. This change, announced by Providence Health & Services Oregon, reflects broader challenges within the state’s healthcare system.

Oregon healthcare is facing a important shift. Care costs are rising faster than what insurance covers, and this is worsened by inflation, staffing shortages, and increasing supply prices. It’s a tough situation for hospitals across the state.

Birth numbers at Providence Seaside have steadily declined. In 2023, the hospital recorded 56 deliveries, down from 66 in 2022.Finding a replacement for the hospital’s OB/GYN physician, who retired in August 2022, has proven unsuccessful. Providence hasn’t been able to hire a permanent replacement, despite ongoing efforts.