Local hospital to close OB unit Jan. 31; Greene County EMS braces for changes
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Summary
A commissioner announced the nearby hospital will close its obstetrics unit Jan. 31, prompting Greene County EMS to plan additional training and coordinate alternate receiving hospitals for OB and trauma patients. Speakers named Sullivan, IU, Good Sam, Vincennes and Union North as likely destinations.
Speaker 2 told the board that the local hospital plans to close its obstetrics department effective Jan. 31 and said the change will require more education for EMS crews and coordination with surrounding facilities about where to take pregnant patients.
"That's gonna require a lot more education for the EMS crews," Speaker 2 said, and added that Deaconess Women's Health will be providing education sessions to the ER staff and EMS.
Speaker 3 described how regional routing will change: OB complications and trauma are being recommended to go to Union North, while other patients may be taken to IU, Sullivan, Good Sam or Vincennes depending on the situation. He warned that these shifts could increase transport times for some emergencies and said the county’s options are changing "quite dramatically."
Speakers emphasized training partnerships and the need to update protocols for diverting OB and trauma calls. No formal county policy or ordinance was enacted at the meeting; commissioners noted the need to work with regional hospitals and training partners and to report back as plans firmed up.
The board did not schedule a separate vote or formal action on hospital service changes during this session; discussion focused on operational preparedness and education.