Recruiting doctors and other medical specialists to smaller clinics and hospitals is getting more difficult, and one specialty provider that is really difficult to recruit is OB/GYN doctors. It’s starting to impact expecting families.
The shortage of Obstetrics and gynecology specialists has affected a second hospital in Wisconsin so far this year. On January 9th, we learned Rusk County Memorial Hospital in Ladysmith would stop delivering babies in March, referring expectant parents to hospitals in Rice Lake or even farther away. Now, the Neillsville Memorial Medical Center will stop delivering babies starting February 15th, except for emergencies.
Clark County moms will be referred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, or to hospitals in Black River Falls and Eau Claire. A total of 58 babies were born in Ladysmith and another 30 babies were delivered at Neillsville last year.
Larry Lee, WSAU
