FCMC Acknowledges Frustration of Patients in Discontinuation of Midwifery Program

It was three weeks ago that Floyd County Medical Center (FCMC) discontinued its midwifery pregnancy and birthing program.

Marketing Director Makenzie McNeill says hospital leaders acknowledge the move, made effective immediately, caught many patients off guard. She says it was unfortunate timing, but when the decision was made, they needed to inform affected staff first.

McNeill says, even with midwives on staff, the hospital still had to have a certified obstetrical physician on call at all times. That proved to hinder FCMC’s recruitment of OB doctors. 

The elimination of the midwifery program created uncertainty that OB services at FCMC were in jeopardy.

Earlier this week (08.17), Adison Kapping, who had one child with an FCMC midwife and, who was planning the same approach for her current pregnancy, addressed the FCMC Board of Trustees in hopes of restoring the service.

Kapping also started a petition drive in that effort.  As of 5 PM  Saturday (08.22), over 1,900 verified signatures had been added to “Save the Midwifery Program at Floyd County Medical Center” on Change.org.