McKenzie Willamette Restores Round the Clock Maternity Services in Springfield

McKenzie Willamette Medical Center in Springfield announced that it has rehired OB GYN physicians and restored round the clock obstetrics services at the McKenzie Women's Health and Birth Center beginning November 1. Hospital leaders said one baby was already born at the unit since services resumed, and appointments are being scheduled through McKenzie Medical Group.

The move follows earlier disruptions this year when contracted providers left the hospital after Oregon Medical Group reorganized and shifted personnel. Interim CEO Greg Brentano told KLCC the hospital hired a group of OB GYN physicians and expects to rebuild maternity capacity after that shift. Brentano acknowledged the unit may lose money in the short term, but hospital leadership framed sustaining local birth options as a community priority.

Hospital officials said they plan to employ midwives again over time and emphasized their willingness to provide reproductive care without religious restrictions. The facility also listed physicians who received clinical privileges and noted that families can make appointments through the hospital aligned medical group. Restoring continuous obstetrics coverage means labor and delivery care can once again be provided around the clock at a local facility rather than requiring some patients to seek care farther away.

For Lane County residents the restored services reduce travel burdens for laboring parents and expand choices for prenatal and delivery care at a time of ongoing regional hospital reorganizations. Local birthing capacity has been a concern for families and community advocates after the earlier staffing changes narrowed options this year. The hospital’s decision to invest in physicians and plan for future midwifery staffing aims to address those concerns and provide closer to home care for Springfield and surrounding communities.

The hospital’s acknowledgement of near term financial losses reflects a wider challenge facing rural and regional hospitals balancing service availability and budgets. Sustaining obstetrics units can be costly when delivery volumes are low, but access to local maternity care is linked to better outcomes and lower travel related stress for families. By restoring round the clock services, McKenzie Willamette is positioning itself to serve growing local needs while monitoring economic performance.

Patients seeking appointments or more information are directed to McKenzie Medical Group. The restoration of continuous obstetrics care marks a significant step toward rebuilding the health system’s maternity capacity and preserving a key service for families across Lane County.