UnityPoint Health is eliminating birthing services at Pekin Hospital.
A hospital spokesperson said more women are choosing to make the drive to Peoria to deliver their babies, leading to declines in Pekin.
“We have listened to the Pekin community and worked to create a plan moving forward that best meets the community’s changing healthcare needs. We are introducing new services and welcoming specialty physicians and providers to Pekin. We must provide quality care that is sustainable, and we believe we are making the best decisions possible to be able to provide outstanding care in Pekin for many years to come,” said Dr. Keith Knepp, President & CEO, UnityPoint Health of Central Illinois in a prepared statement.
The Pekin program will be consolidated into the existing program at Methodist Hospital. The changes are effective on September 17.
The spokesperson says the hospital will explore adding outpatient OB/GYN services in Pekin.
