(CLAIR) – Adventist Health Simi Valley (AHSV) has announced a significant transition in its healthcare offerings, with the closure of its Labor/Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services slated for May 8, 2024. This decision, according to hospital administration, comes after months of careful evaluation and reflects a response to changing community needs and demographic shifts.
- Closure of Birthing and NICU Services: Adventist Health Simi Valley (AHSV) will close its Labor/Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services on May 8, 2024, in response to changing community needs and demographic shifts.
- Declining Birth Rates: A 25% decrease in hospital births at AHSV has been reported, reflecting a significant downturn in Ventura County’s birth rates from over 19 per 1,000 residents in 1990 to just 10.5 per 1,000 in 2021, aligning with broader California trends.
- Focus on Senior Population: Jennifer Swenson, President of AHSV, stated the hospital is adjusting its services to meet the growing needs of a more senior population while continuing to provide essential healthcare services.
- Transition Support for Obstetric Patients: The hospital is actively working to ensure a smooth transition for its current and prospective obstetric patients, including guiding them towards alternative providers for obstetric care within the Ventura County area.
- Employee Support and Service Realignment: AHSV is engaging with impacted employees to find potential roles within the Adventist Health organization and is refocusing its resources on areas of growing demand, such as stroke and heart care, to continue serving the community effectively.
Hospital officials report a 25% decrease in hospital births at AHSV, mirroring a significant downturn in Ventura County’s birth rates—from over 19 births per 1,000 residents in 1990 to just 10.5 per 1,000 in 2021. This decline is consistent with broader trends across California, challenging the sustainability of maternity and neonatal services statewide.
“We are looking at the changing demographics of our community and making an adjustment to meet the growing needs of a more senior population,” Jennifer Swenson, President of Adventist Health Simi Valley, remarked. She emphasized the hospital’s commitment to its mission of providing essential healthcare services, highlighting the dedication of its medical staff. “We have talented physicians, nurses, and staff members that will continue to offer vital services to our community,” Swenson added.
The hospital’s leadership is actively working to ensure a smooth transition for its current and prospective obstetric patients. “During this transition, we are working with our medical staff, patients, and their families to ensure they can access obstetric care services that best meet their needs in the Ventura County area,” Swenson stated. This includes guiding patients towards alternative providers for obstetric care within the region.
Adventist Health Simi Valley is also prioritizing support for employees affected by the closure. The hospital is engaging with impacted staff members to identify potential roles within the broader Adventist Health organization, seeking to mitigate the personal and professional impact of these service discontinuations.
As AHSV adjusts its service offerings to better align with the evolving needs of Simi Valley’s aging population, the hospital remains a pivotal healthcare provider in Ventura County. With an eye towards the future, AHSV is refocusing its resources on areas of growing demand, such as stroke and heart care, ensuring that it continues to serve the community effectively and compassionately.
