Paradise Valley Hospital announced plans to begin closure of its obstetrics, labor, and delivery, and newborn nursing units on May 6, 2021. In accordance with Assembly Bill 2037, we have begun this 90-day process and will officially close these services on August 4, 2021.
“Our team has had the privilege of delivering tens of thousands of babies in National City, and the decision to close our obstetrics unit means we will redirect resources to where there is a greater community need,” said Neerav Jadeja, Chief Executive Officer of Paradise Valley Hospital. “The demand for perinatal care, labor and delivery, and neonatal services at Paradise Valley is not what it once was, and this has forced us to focus on growing other essential services based on community needs. Serving the healthcare needs of our patients today, and into the future, remains our top priority. We will continue to invest in services that are most critically needed and in demand. Our community depends on us, and that requires us to make these difficult and significant changes.”
According to the California Department of Public Health, birth rates at hospitals throughout San Diego County continue to decline, with 1476 fewer births in 2019 than in 2018. According to Jadeja, Paradise Valley Hospital has experienced this downward trend over the last 10 years and is currently averaging less than two births per day in its 23-bed unit.
A comprehensive transition plan is underway to ensure that expectant mothers get connected to nearby hospitals. There are three hospitals within a 10-mile radius of Paradise Valley Hospital that provides obstetrics, labor and delivery, and newborn services. Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista is located less than six miles away, and Scripps Mercy San Diego is located less than nine miles away. Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is less than eight miles away from Paradise Valley Hospital.
“I want to thank our dedicated obstetric, labor and delivery, and neonatology teams for their hard work and loyalty to patients, families, and Paradise Valley Hospital,” said Jadeja. “We are also making every effort to retain these essential staff. The Paradise Valley Birthing Center had 23 beds and employed approximately 40 people. The employees impacted by this decision will be provided opportunities for work in other departments of the hospital, and as Paradise Valley Hospital is a member of Prime Healthcare, opportunities at our other sister hospitals, including Alvarado Hospital in San Diego.”