LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Around 1,300 babies are born at Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center each year, and hospital leaders say they are prepared no matter when those babies decide to arrive.
President and CEO Ronda Lehman said the hospital has provided OB services for more than 100 years and recently shared with the Lima Exchange Club how St. Rita’s is changing its approach to better serve expecting mothers.
The hospital has implemented 24/7 obstetric services, ensuring OB professionals are always available when a mother goes into labor. Under the new model, patients no longer need to wait for their personal physician to arrive at the hospital and can be examined immediately if they are unsure whether they are in labor.
St. Rita’s leaders said the change comes as many rural hospitals across Ohio and the nation close their OB departments due to staffing shortages, rising operating costs and declining birth rates.
“One of the biggest drivers and changes are the lack of services in so many small communities. So, us really pouring in, investing in and making sure that we have the latest and greatest facilities and esthetics for moms when they come in to deliver and for families is really important to us. And so while others are pulling back, we are actually making an investment,” says Ronda Lehman, Pres./CEO Mercy Health St. Ritas. 20
Around a dozen hospitals in Ohio have closed, consolidated or suspended their maternity and delivery units since 2022.
