USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to close maternity ward, latest in a string of shutterings

Topline:

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale will shut down its maternity ward, including its neonatal intensive care unit, in November.

Why it matters : It’s the latest in a closure of maternity wards across the state. A CalMatters analysis found that over the last decade, 17 hospitals have closed their maternity services in L.A. County, outpacing the area’s declining birth rate. At least four have shut down last year alone, including Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood .

Why now: In a statement, the hospital said the decision is based “on a careful and thorough examination of the hospital’s services and the shifting demographics and needs of the community it serves.” While USC did not provide specific numbers, a spokesperson said there’s been a decline in live births and use of the maternity ward.

What’s next: A hospital spokesperson didn’t specify where patients will be directed going forward, but that the hospital is “working to ensure that patients and their families continue to receive high-quality obstetric care close to home.”