Feb. 9, 2024
EAU CLAIRE – Marshfield Clinic Health System is more than doubling its labor and delivery beds at Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire to meet the needs of the community in the wake of the recently announced hospital closures.
MMC-Eau Claire will expand its obstetrics unit from eight beds to 20 beds, which could accommodate an additional 550 births a year. The hospital is actively identifying the level of additional staffing, technology needs and timeline to begin operating the expanded unit.
“As other hospitals and health systems are making difficult decisions, we have determined the steps we can take to increase delivery and labor beds for expectant mothers and their families," said MMC-Eau Claire President Brad Groseth. “We know the importance of having a comfortable space with high quality staff and resources to deliver their child to families in the area."
U.S. News & World Report recently recognized MMC-Eau Claire on its list of “High Performing Hospitals" for maternity care access. The hospital had 446 births in 2023. The MMC-Eau Claire midwifery team also has re-introduced its services at Marshfield Clinic Chippewa Falls Center.
Marshfield Clinic Health System remains committed to exploring ways in which it can best serve western Wisconsin and explore new ways in which it can partner with the community. Leaders continue to meet with health care, municipal and elected officials to discuss the future health needs of the community and how these services can be provided in a way that is financially sustainable.
Groseth added that MMC-Eau Claire is finalizing plans for an expected increase of patient volume, especially in emergency and urgent care. Recruitment is underway for open positions and additional job fairs will be scheduled.
“Health systems in the Chippewa Valley and beyond have faced significant headwinds over the past several years," said interim Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Brian Hoerneman. “We remain committed to overcoming those challenges and continuing our mission of providing affordable and compassionate care for our patients and families in the region."
Hoerneman added: “Rural healthcare in Wisconsin is at risk without help resolving the funding inadequacies with government-assisted healthcare," Hoerneman said. “This presents a difficult challenge for a rural health system as the majority of patients admitted to our hospitals have a governmental payor source."
According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, healthcare organizations in the state are reimbursed at significantly lower rates than the rest of the country, leaving a financial strain on hospitals and health systems. Approximately 64% of Marshfield patients have Medicaid or Medicare.
