Important Changes to Women’s Health Services in Modesto
Effective May 1, Golden Valley Health Centers’ Women’s Health Clinic in Modesto will discontinue offering labor and delivery services for expectant mothers.
Concerns Amidst Doctor Shortages
MODESTO, Calif. — A shortage of doctors in the Central Valley has prompted a divisive decision at one community health clinic, sparking disagreement between clinic leaders and the healthcare professionals who serve there.
Serving the Underserved
Golden Valley Health Centers is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to underserved populations across 47 clinics in the Central Valley.
Patient Care at Risk
“We provide care to over 160,000 patients across San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties,” stated Dr. Eduardo Villarama, Chief Medical Officer of Golden Valley. Notably, 85% of the more than 650,000 patient visits annually are Medi-Cal patients.
Focus on Outpatient Services
Villarama emphasized that the clinic is committed to outpatient services, including prenatal care, birth control, annual exams, and various gynecological procedures. However, the clinic has offered labor and delivery services that allowed pregnant patients to be cared for by the same physician or team during their pregnancy and delivery.
Ending Labor and Delivery Services
Despite these services, the Women’s Health Clinic will cease labor and delivery operations starting May 1. Four staff members, including three OB/GYNs and a nurse practitioner, have been informed that their positions will transition to a purely clinical role with no obstetric services, although they may contract separately at nearby hospitals for those services.
Worries for Maternal and Infant Health
Dr. Susan Podolsky, a physician from Doctors Medical Center nearby, voiced deep concerns stating, “Women are going to die, babies are going to die.” Podolsky, along with other healthcare professionals, expressed opposition to the abrupt end of these critical services.
Impact on Patient Care
Dr. Lloyd Lee, one of the affected OB/GYNs, highlighted the potential fallout: “Who will care for patients in the hospital? Who will perform gynecologic surgeries?” Villarama explained that the increasing demands of patient loads have made it challenging for doctors to balance their time between the hospital and clinic settings.
Addressing Doctor Shortages
“We find ourselves in an OB/GYN desert,” said Lee, pointing to a systemic issue in the Central Valley, which faces a shortage of OB/GYNs and primary care providers. Dr. Silvia Diego, a former Chief Medical Officer, asserted the difficulty in recruiting sufficient staff to maintain such services, stating, “Doctors are not available.”
Continuity of Care Concerns
Medical providers emphasize that cutting labor and delivery services without adequate notice jeopardizes patient continuity. “This sudden change breaks the chain of care,” explained Maria Obispo, a nurse practitioner at Women’s Health, noting that many patients have high-risk conditions that require consistent medical oversight.
Community Health Implications
Podolsky expressed frustration, stating, “We’re tired of neglecting women of color in lower socioeconomic classes. Where are they supposed to go for critical care?”
Plans for Patient Handover
In response to these issues, Villarama assured that Golden Valley is coordinating with Doctors Medical Center to facilitate a smooth transition of care for expectant mothers due to give birth at that facility.
Call for Postponement
Healthcare professionals are urging the clinic to reconsider its timeline. “Don’t rush into this change. Take an additional eight months to recruit more staff and develop a sustainable model,” Podolsky suggested.
Understanding Federal Support
Golden Valley operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center, receiving federal funds to aid underserved communities. When asked about any connection to federal funding issues under the previous administration, Villarama clarified that this decision had been in the works well before the last election.
Advocating for Resources
Recently, Golden Valley leaders attended the National Association of Community Health Centers conference in Washington D.C. to discuss ongoing federal support and local clinic needs, including plans for the expansion and remodeling of Paradise Clinic.
Conclusion
As these changes unfold, community leaders and healthcare professionals continue to advocate for solutions that prioritize the health and safety of women and children in the Central Valley.
