Closure of maternity services confirmed at Lohja Hospital in Finland

The timeline for the closure of the maternity services at Lohja Hospital has been confirmed by the HUS joint authority, which oversees specialized healthcare in Uusimaa. According to their announcement, HUS is preparing for the transfer of maternity services to other HUS maternity hospitals. Expectant mothers will be accepted at Lohja Hospital until 8 a.m. on November 27. HUS aims to move all maternity services from Lohja to Naistenklinikalle, as well as hospitals in Espoo and Hyvinkää, by December 1.

The decision to close the maternity services at Lohja Hospital was made by the HUS management board on May 6. The midwives at the hospital have expressed opposition to the transfer to HUS’s larger maternity units. In their statement, HUS mentioned that discussions regarding staff-related options and solutions are ongoing in cooperation with unions, during joint negotiations that affect all HUS personnel.

Additionally, the city of Lohja has appealed the decision made by the HUS authority to the Helsinki Administrative Court. The city is demanding further preparation of the matter and is also seeking a prohibition on the enforcement of the decision.