Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Healthcare Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gogebic County commissioners to draft letter after Aspirus Ironwood announces OB unit closure
Summary
Commissioners expressed concern about Aspirus Ironwoods announced closure of its obstetrics unit, voted to draft a letter to the hospital, and heard public comments including an Aspirus RN who said Dec. 31, 2025 is the last day of OB services and that patients in labor will be directed to the emergency room.
The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 discussed the recent announcement that Aspirus Ironwood will close its obstetrics (OB) unit and voted unanimously to draft a letter to hospital leadership expressing the countys concerns.
Commissioner Lorenson raised the item during Other Matters; after discussion Commissioner Lorenson moved to draft a letter to Aspirus expressing Gogebic Countys concerns, Commissioner Matonich supported the motion, and the board approved it by unanimous voice vote.
During the public comment period a resident who identified herself as an RN at Aspirus told commissioners, "currently, December 31, 2025 is the last day that the service will be offered, and that if anyone who is in labor comes in, they will be directed to the emergency room." Another resident said she was concerned about how the closure would affect employees of child care providers and the community supports available to new parents.
Why it matters: loss of local obstetrical services could require pregnant patients to travel farther for delivery care, affect on-call coverage and emergency planning, and create economic and logistical impacts for employees and families in Gogebic County.
Next steps: board members directed staff to draft and send a letter to Aspirus leadership expressing county concerns. The minutes do not include the text of the planned letter or detail any further steps for mitigation or coordination with Aspirus or regional health providers.
