Family HealthCare Network, based in Visalia, announced last month that it will stop offering OBGYN services, including childbirth, at Adventist Health Hanford starting September 1. This decision means that patients of Family HealthCare Network will no longer be able to deliver babies at the Hanford hospital through the network’s services.
However, the network will continue to provide OBGYN care at its two Hanford clinics, as well as at Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia and Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville. Patients receiving prenatal care at the Hanford clinics will need to find a different provider for delivery at Adventist Health Hanford.
In a letter to patients, Family HealthCare Network acknowledged the potential inconvenience caused by the change. “We understand that this change may cause some inconvenience, and we apologize for any concern this may cause you,” the letter stated. “While we hope you continue your care with us, we understand if you want to transfer care to an alternative provider who delivers at Adventist Health.”
The letter did not explain why the network is ending its OBGYN services at Adventist Health Hanford. Attempts to reach both healthcare providers for comment were unsuccessful, but each organization provided statements to the Valley Voice about the impact on patients.
Kerry Hydash, president and CEO of Family HealthCare Network, explained the decision in an email to the news outlet. “Based on the volume of activity at Adventist Hanford, we are transitioning away from providing OB inpatient services there,” Hydash said.
Renee Garcia, marketing account manager for Adventist Health, assured that the move would not affect patient care. “Adventist Health Hanford Birth Center is fully staffed with six on-call OB providers. FHCN currently provides one on-call OB, once per month. This will have no impact on the ability to support our maternal patients’ needs,” Garcia said. “Adventist Health has been notified that FHCN can no longer provide their OBGYN provider to take call for the Adventist Health Hanford Birth Center.”
The reduction in OBGYN services at Adventist Health Hanford follows a trend of maternity service cuts at Valley hospitals in recent months. In June, Adventist Health Tulare closed its maternity ward due to declining demand. Additionally, American Advanced Management, the new operator of Madera Community Hospital, announced that it does not plan to reopen the maternity ward when it revives the closed hospital later this year.
