EXCERPT: “An estimated 45% of rural hospitals in Minnesota no longer offer maternity care, per a new report. The big picture: Challenging economics and labor shortages are forcing more rural facilities to stop providing labor and delivery services, Axios’ Jason Millman writes. The report, from the nonprofit Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, found that 55% of the nation’s rural hospitals don’t offer the services. Why it matters: Closures force patients to travel longer for labor and delivery care. In rural Minnesota, the typical driving time is about 30 minutes. Between the lines: Pregnant patients who can’t make it to the unit can end up delivering in emergency rooms.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/4809fGz
