Waupaca council asks ThedaCare to rethink closing birthing unit

Members of Waupaca Common Council voted unanimously for a resolution asking ThedaCare to reconsider closing its birthing unit in Waupaca.

Introduced by Ald. Paul Hagen, the Dec. 3 resolution noted that, “Obstetrics patients of the Waupaca area should not be forced to travel out of the community to have access to OB services that include delivery.”

“Removal of OB services go directly against the original purpose of this community hospital,” according to the resolution.
Before the vote, members of the community spoke about ThedaCare’s decision.

Rev. Carl Ferguson has been pastor at Waupaca Christian Church since 1983.

“My wife took her first job as an RN in the Waupaca hospital at the same time,” Ferguson said, noting the “vibrant health of this city and surrounding area.”

“What has made this community prosperous:” Ferguson asked. He then pointed to the several major economic catalysts, including Waupaca Foundry, the Wisconsin Veterans Home and the community’s hospital.

“I stand before you tonight to join forces with the several thousand voices who recognize that the loss of obstetrical services in this hospital will have a long-term detrimental effect on this community and the local health care system.”

Ferguson said that the loss of OB services at a hospital often marks the beginning of losing or limiting other health care services over time.

“Community health is not entirely about finances, it is about caring for the community here at home,” Ferguson said.

Joshua Garrison, moved to Waupaca in 2018 and his wife, Christy Reynolds, is a midwife in Iola.

Garrison noted that Gov. Tony Evers came to Waupaca in July to visit a daycare center that was closing its doors.

“Here we are six months later and we’re learning about another loss to this community that also affects families, young families, and it affects women,” Garrison said. “I’m saddened and I understand that you all have no control over this.”

Noting that issues of economics, demographics and a changing labor market have a major part in the decision, Garrison said, “But you do have the influence to make a statement that I believe is moral and ethical.”

Just because Waupaca is a small town, doesn’t mean the people who live here “don’t deserve world-class health care, world class child care and world-class education.”

“I think our community is wonderful and it needs to grow,” said mary Case, who noted the growing number of elderly living in Waupaca.

“How can we invite younger people to join our community if we don’t have an OB?” Case said.

She noted that young families would consider moving to other cities where they could find hospital delivery services closer to home.

Faith Janusz said she had experienced high-risk deliveries when she was younger.

“I would not want to have to travel 50 or 60 miles just to have my child if I was having a problem, which was at high risk,” she said.

Prior to voting on the resolution, Mayor Brian smith and several council members said they were taken by surprise when they learned that ThedCare planned to end its labor and delivery services in Waupaca.

ThedaCare’s response
In response to the city council’s resolution, ThedaCare sent the following statement to the Waupaca County Post

“ThedaCare is committed to providing access to safe, high-quality health care.

“The decision to discontinue labor and delivery services at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca was made based on the shifting needs and demands of expectant mothers, including declining deliveries, mothers choosing to deliver at larger birth centers, and increasing complexity of labor and delivery. The decision is also a result of a shortage of physicians and nurses in rural areas, which is an issue being felt across the country and in our region.

“Mothers can be confident in continuing their pre- and post-delivery care, breastfeeding support and well-baby care at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca as these are important ongoing services to provide in our local communities.

“This was a difficult decision, and one that was not made lightly because of our dedication to the people we are privileged to serve.”