A Sonoma County advisory panel is strongly criticizing Providence’s decision to close the inpatient pediatric ward at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, warning it will severely impact low-income families.
According to the Press Democrat, the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Advisory Board called on County Supervisors to intervene, arguing the closure’s transition plan is “unacceptably opaque.” Pediatricians estimate the closure will force about 300 children annually to be transferred out of the county.
County officials maintain they have “very little leverage” to stop the closure, which Providence attributes to financial pressure. Local medical professionals are urging the county to demand Providence develop a collaborative and robust plan to secure adequate care for children.