Hialeah community rallies to save Palmetto General Hospital's vital maternity services

In the heart of Hialeah, a community grapples with the potential closure of vital healthcare services as representatives from Palmetto General Hospital addressed the City Council. The meeting, held on January 28, 2025, brought to light urgent concerns regarding the hospital's future, particularly its maternity services, which have become increasingly critical due to the closure of similar facilities in the area.

Dr. Roberto Foyo and Dr. Andrea Faraci, both long-serving physicians at Palmetto, voiced their alarm over the hospital's financial struggles following its acquisition by HSA, a California-based company. They highlighted the hospital's longstanding role in the community, noting that it has been a cornerstone of healthcare since 1971, serving over 130,000 patients annually. With the recent shutdown of maternity services at nearby hospitals, Palmetto General has become the sole provider of these essential services in Hialeah.

Dr. Foyo emphasized the dire consequences of closing the maternity unit, stating that patients would be forced to travel significant distances to receive care, a daunting prospect for expectant mothers. He urged the council to take action to support the hospital, which he described as a "vital pillar" of the community.

The discussion also touched on the importance of anesthesia services at Palmetto General, with concerns raised about the continuity and quality of care under the new management. The physicians stressed that without reliable anesthesia providers, the hospital would struggle to function effectively, reducing its capabilities to that of a "glorified clinic."

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was palpable. The representatives from Palmetto General called for community support and involvement from the council to ensure that the hospital can continue to serve Hialeah's residents. The future of healthcare in the area hangs in the balance, with the community looking to its leaders for guidance and action in these challenging times.