Overview
- The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted 6-3 on Nov. 18 to allow Ascension to discontinue inpatient obstetrics at Alexian Brothers and move deliveries to Ascension St. Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital.
- Ascension has not set the date to stop scheduling deliveries at Alexian Brothers, with a spokesperson saying the change will occur shortly.
- More than 40 letters opposed the move and six supported it, as nurses and residents warned of longer travel times and safety risks for pregnant patients.
- Board Chair Debra Savage said she voted yes reluctantly and cautioned that the shift could strain capacity at St. Alexius.
- Ascension cited lower volumes and a desire to reduce duplicate services by consolidating at St. Alexius, which has a NICU and 24/7 obstetric emergency care, while Alexian Brothers will continue outpatient obstetric services and handle emergency deliveries.