North Shore Hospital to make OB decision by end of month

The Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center board Thursday held a lengthy discussion regarding the continuation of elective deliveries and whether or not they should continue to offer this service.

The possibility of ceasing birthing services at the hospital has prompted a flurry of Facebook responses and public discussion pro and con.
Near the first of November last year the hospital received a report from their medical malpractice/professional liability insurer (Coverys) that stated they do not meet the standards of care for OB services.

According to hospital administrator Kimber Wraalstad, at issue is not about the quality of care provided but whether the hospital can meet the expected standards of care for elective obstetrical services in a hospital.
 
The Coverys report highlighted five different areas where improvement is recommended, but the deal breaker is providing OB services involving emergency cesarean sections.  

Wraalstad said the hospital does not have the OR, equipment, or staff to provide an emergency c-section. An operating room is on the drawing board for the hospital expansion plan, however the conservative cost estimate of providing the required trained nurses, anesthesia personnel, neonatal resuscitation team members, and obstetric attendants – not including the surgeon -- is $1 million dollars per year.

The Guidelines for Perinatal Care were established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

According to its data, since 2002 through 2014 the hospital has averaged 9.5 deliveries per year, with as many as 15 and 17 deliveries during that time. Department of Health figures show Cook County averaged 46.6 deliveries over an 11 year period, with just over 20 percent performed in Grand Marais.

Wraalstad added that regardless of the decision of the board, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and their doctors and employees will continue to provide pre- and postnatal care.  The hospital will provide emergency deliveries.  

There will be a public information meeting on the subject, Wednesday, January 28, at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s large classroom.  A special board meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 30 at 9 a.m. a.m. when a decision is anticipated. Any change in hospital policy would be effective on July 1.

Hospital administrator Kimber Wraalstad spoke with WTIP's Jay Andersen on "Daybreak" Friday, Jan. 23.