WHMC to end obstetrics services

COLFAX - Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics (WHMC) Board of Commissioners held a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, voting to shutter their obstetric services at the hospital.

Dr. Peter Edminster told the Gazette on Monday, Mar. 4, that the board made the decision, that it was not on the meeting agenda for Feb. 21. Those present at the meeting were only aware it was an option once it was voted on.

According to Edminster those who are in opposition to the closure believe that the birthing unit is being closed is due to the hospital reportedly receiving a letter from the State Attorney General, which requires them to provide abortion services if they are giving obstetrics services.

WHMC Manager of Administration Services Laurie Gronning confirmed that the hospital, as well as the twenty-six other public hospital districts, received a notification from the State Attorney General needing to know how the hospital was going to comply with the Washington State Reproductive Privacy Act. (RCW 9.02)

The Privacy Act states that every individual possesses a fundamental right of privacy with respect to personal reproductive decisions, and includes a statutory protection for abortion.

Gronning said that the letter was what brought about the closure of the obstetrics services. "We did reply to that letter, with the intented decision made to the board," she said, adding that the hospital requested a 30 day extension allowing them to get public comment.

"None of the medical staff or obstetric staff were aware that this was a topic of the meeting," Edminster said, adding that at that point, they weren't allowed to speak.

Edminster said that at the meeting, the board cited several reasons for closing the department that the board claimed made it appear that the department was running unsafely. "They also cited that the service was losing money, that it was financially unsustainable," Edminster said.

Edminster said one of the partners reportedly saw the letter and was asked to return it, adding that Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics CEO Hank Hannigan has it.

Hannigan could not be reached at the time of press.

"This has been an ongoing discussion," Edminster said of the letter, "We've had multiple meetings with hospital staff with how to address it," he added, noting that nobody knew closing was an option until the board voted on it.

Edminster said that from his perspective, the reasons for closing the unit had yet to be fully considered. The problems that the hospital has experienced are universal for rural hospitals, including difficulty hiring nurses, keeping managers and recruiting positions.

"When you eliminate rural obstetrics, the outcomes get worse. We feel this decision was made without knowledge of the bigger picture and due to pressure regarding the abortion issue," he said.

A special meeting was held on Wednesday, Mar. 6, to receive additional input and re-evaluate the decision, after time of press.

Gronning told the Gazette, on Tuesday, Mar. 5, that they would wait to hear public comment at the Wednesday meeting to see what the board chooses to do beyond that.

The next regular business meeting for the WHMC Board of Commissioners is at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 20, at the Administration Annex building

The Gazette will report as more information comes out.