In an era of increasing pressure on costs and quality improvement, Harrington Hospital announced recently that it resolved two pressing issues with a “best-of-both-worlds” solution. The Southbridge, Mass. hospital had been facing staffing difficulties, low-birth volume and a $3-4 million annual cost in running its family birthing center. The closure of the center was necessary (issue one) but Harrington was able to cover the pending coverage gap (issue two) by entering into an agreement with UMass Memorial Healthcare. Under the agreement, three Harrington OB/GYNs will become employees of the UMass Memorial Medical Group, Inc. and will join delivery call rotation there. These providers will continue to manage their current patient panel as well as new obstetrics and gynecology patients at two co-branded satellites within the Harrington service area.
Ed Moore, Harrington’s president & CEO, said he understands his community’s concerns with losing Harrington Hospital’s Family Birthing Center, but added, “Our patients will still be able to stay local but now they can get their deliveries done in a tertiary center with a neo-natal ICU.”