Providence Health is moving forward with plans to close the inpatient pediatrics ward at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, despite strong opposition from local pediatricians and county advisers.
Per the Press Democrat, the closure is expected to force hundreds of children, primarily low-income patients, to seek overnight hospital care outside of Sonoma County. Critics warn this will severely impact vulnerable families.
While the inpatient ward is closing, the hospital maintains it will continue to provide pediatric services in the Emergency Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
