Why is MDI Hospital closing its Inpatient Labor and Delivery Unit?

MDI Hospital is closing its Inpatient Labor and Delivery Unit due to a significant decline in births and the challenge of maintaining specialized staff for such low-volume care. Only 9 babies have been born at MDI Hospital this year. In 2024, only 33 babies were delivered, down from more than 100 just a decade ago. Critically, with so few births, our nurses and providers cannot maintain the necessary skills and experience required for safe deliveries. Patient safety is our top concern, and ensuring that our staff can provide the highest level of care means making this difficult decision.

The hospital is about to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation—why not use those funds to save the Labor and Delivery Unit?

The planned renovation is funded by grants and gifts specifically designated for capital improvements, including the expansion of the Emergency Department, which currently operates at 300% capacity. These dollars cannot legally be used for operating costs like staffing or running the Labor and Delivery Unit.

Can the community fundraise to keep Labor & Delivery Open?

We’re so grateful for our community’s support, but this isn’t just about funding. With too few births and the difficulty of maintaining specialized skills, we simply can’t sustain safe, high-quality OB care with the lowest birthrate of any unit in Maine, no matter the dollars raised.

Why didn’t the hospital consult the community or nurses first?

We did. From June to December 2024, we held multidisciplinary work sessions with nurses, OB providers, and partners across our region. This was a long, thoughtful, and difficult process. In the end, safety and sustainability had to guide the decision.

You’ve said OB services are vital in rural areas—what changed?

That belief hasn’t changed. But birth rates have. We looked at every option, but with fewer babies being born and challenges in staffing and skill retention, continuing the service safely just isn’t possible.

Why did some patients hear about this on Facebook?

This wasn’t how we wanted news to be shared. We called and messaged every current OB patient the morning of the announcement, followed by letters. But flyers from a weekend event circulated a week before our official announcement, and social media moved fast. We’re truly sorry for any confusion this caused. Our patient navigators are here to help—they can be reached at 207.288.5082 ext. 1112 or 1.866.220.4563.

Wouldn’t having a lower number of births provide any advantages for MDI Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit? More personalized care, etc.?

From a safety standpoint, no. Some community members have expressed appreciation for the more personalized experience that can come with a lower volume of deliveries, and we value that deeply. However, a lower number of births means our staff is not getting the hands-on experience needed to maintain their skills in obstetric care. Without frequent deliveries, our ability to safely handle routine and emergency situations declines.

What should patients who are currently pregnant do now?

MDI Hospital is working closely with regional hospitals to coordinate care and ensure smooth transfers for deliveries. If you are currently receiving prenatal care at MDI Hospital, your provider will discuss options with you and help you transition to a hospital that can support your delivery safely.

What if I go into labor and cannot make it off the island in time?

MDI Hospital’s Emergency Department will remain equipped to handle emergency births. The emergency department is undergoing a grant and donor-funded expansion, which includes a designated room with labor and delivery equipment for urgent situations. Emergency care staff are also maintaining their labor and delivery competencies through rotations at partner hospitals.

Will MDI Hospital still provide any maternal health services?

Yes. The hospital is committed to maternal health and is implementing several new initiatives, including:

• Exploring a Maternal Health Patient Navigator program to guide expectant mothers through prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Continued prenatal and postpartum care at MDI Hospital and its affiliated health centers.
• Strengthened partnerships with regional hospitals to ensure safe and seamless deliveries.
• Ongoing training for emergency department staff to handle urgent deliveries safely.

Where will I have to go for labor and delivery services?

MDI Hospital is coordinating with nearby hospitals to provide labor and delivery care for expectant mothers. Your provider will discuss the best hospital for your needs and assist with referrals and transfer plans. If you become pregnant in the next few months and need care on the island prior to delivery, please contact our Lisa Stewart Women’s Health Center for prenatal care and services.