FALMOUTH – Falmouth Hospital’s Obstetrics, Pediatric, and Nursery Care Program has been ruled by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as essential.
President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare Michael Lauf made the closure announcement in March, saying the move was needed in order to adapt and “make (the hospital) stronger.”
He also added that the decision to close the unit was made because there was a 10 year decline in newborn births.
In its decision, the DPH stated that these services at Falmouth Hospital are needed for those living in the area.
The DPH gave Falmouth Hospital a 15 day period in its ruling to devise a plan to maintain access for these services.
If the hospital continues with closures, which have been slated to occur in July as of last month’s hearing, the plan would have to identify alternative means for residents to gain access to vital services that the wards offer.
The Massachusetts Nurses Association believes that no other plan reasonably compares to keeping the units open.
About Brendan Fitzpatrick
