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Another hospital in Southern California will close its maternity ward. Here's where things stand
The hospital's maternity ward closure is the latest in a recent number of shutterings across the state.
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Topline:
A hospital in the Inland Empire is closing its maternity ward, the latest in a string of recent closures in Southern California.
What’s new: The Corona Regional Medical Center in Riverside County will close its maternity ward at the end of January. In a statement, the hospital said the “decision was based on the decline in the number of births at Corona Regional over the past two years and the declining birth rate in the county, which is expected to continue.”
Why it matters: Dozens of hospitals have closed in Southern California and across the state over the last decade. Last year alone, at least seven closed in the state, including USC Verdugo Hills. Experts have attributed the increased rate of closures to a number of factors, including demographic shifts, workforce shortages and financial reasons. Advocates say closures mean patients have to travel further to deliver a baby.
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Where patients can go: Corona Regional Medical Center is directing patients to other facilities to deliver their babies when its maternity ward closes early next year:
- Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center: 3865 Jackson St., Riverside
- Riverside Community Hospital: 4445 Magnolia Ave., Riverside
- Pomona Valley Medical Center: 1798 N. Garey, Pomona
- Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital: 25500 Medical Center Dr., Murrieta
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Another hospital in Southern California will close its maternity ward
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