Banner Health has announced it will pause inpatient labor and delivery services at Banner Platte County Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming, starting October 15. The decision follows ongoing challenges in recruiting obstetric providers and declining birth volumes, which are issues affecting many rural hospitals across the country.
The suspension will impact labor and delivery services, well-newborn inpatient care, and outpatient prenatal care. However, the hospital and its clinics in Wheatland and Guernsey will continue to offer all other health services.
Sandy Dugger, chief executive officer of Banner Platte County Hospital, stated: “This is one of the most challenging decisions a small, rural hospital can face. This decision is not a reflection of our exceptional obstetric nurses or providers, who provide outstanding care and deeply care for our expectant mothers and newborns.”
The Wheatland Banner Health Clinic stopped accepting new obstetrics patients as of September 15. Existing patients will receive support to transition their care to other providers. Hospital staff will contact those affected to discuss options for continuing their medical care and transferring records. Patients needing assistance with these transitions can call the clinic at 307-322-3861.
Dugger added: “While these changes are challenging, we are committed to our community and are making changes to this service line to best meet the community’s needs.”
Platte County Hospital has served local residents since 1955 and provides emergency care, surgery, cardiopulmonary services, laboratory work, imaging, and women’s health. It operates under Banner Health—a nonprofit system with 33 hospitals across six states (https://www.bannerhealth.com/plattecounty).
