Merrimack Health today announced plans to consolidate maternity and neonatal services, creating a stronger and more coordinated high-quality center of care for the region at Lawrence Hospital. The system has filed a Closure of Essential Services application on behalf of Methuen Hospital with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to support the consolidation.
The plan comes as birth rates continue to decline across the state, yet access to high-quality maternity care is needed.
“Historically, these two hospitals competed for maternity services – less than two miles apart,” said Merrimack Health President and CEO Diana Richardson. “We are bringing together two trusted programs that will allow for a more seamless experience for mothers, babies, and families and greater collaboration among providers. By combining these services into a single center of care, Merrimack Health ensures continued access to maternity care locally.”
While both hospitals have experienced a decline in births, this has been most notable in Methuen Hospital, which averages fewer than two deliveries per day. In addition, the special care nursery in Methuen averages a daily census of fewer than one infant, with multiple stretches of days seeing no admissions.
“Low patient volume makes it challenging for clinicians to maintain competencies, retain staff and sustain the delivery of high-quality care,” said George Kondylis, MD, chief physician executive. “Consistent patient volume is critical to maintaining the excellent standard of care we want for our communities. This is especially true for the maternity and neonatal services that families trust us to provide.”
Two-thirds of the health system’s deliveries currently occur at Lawrence Hospital. The decision to consolidate maternity services to that campus came after a detailed evaluation led by physicians and supported by clinical and operational leaders with input from the community. The evaluation concluded that Lawrence Hospital has better capacity and the supporting services to accommodate a consolidated service -- including its Level III Trauma Center. This capability cannot be replicated at Methuen Hospital and ensures that mothers do not need to be transported between hospitals during high-acuity, high-stress situations.
The filing also requests that the seven unused pediatric beds at Haverhill Hospital and the 20 unused pediatric beds at Methuen Hospital be removed from the hospital’s license. Methuen Hospital will then request a waiver to convert the 20 former pediatric beds at Methuen Hospital into much needed adult medical/surgical beds at that campus.
Notification to Mass DPH begins a formal 120-day public process, which includes communicating with community stakeholders and holding a public hearing -- meaning no immediate changes will occur. Methuen Hospital will continue to receive and care for maternity patients as usual throughout the review period. If approved, consolidated maternity services will take effect on August 1, 2026.
About 85 employees will be impacted by the consolidation of maternity services. During that time, Merrimack Health will work directly with affected staff members. The system anticipates that most staff impacted will have the opportunity to move into positions in maternal child health in Lawrence Hospital or elsewhere within Merrimack Health.
The update announced today represents the continuation of a broader systemwide integration effort focused on improving health care in the Merrimack Valley. The system has successfully secured emergency department services at all three hospitals, consolidated operating room and imaging services, centralized cardiac catheterization procedures and successfully unified a system-wide electronic medical record.
“We appreciate that Methuen Hospital is a special place where generations of families have cherished memories of starting and growing their families,” said Richardson. “We will carry forward this rich tradition of creating special memories and delivering compassionate care as a unified provider of maternity services for our communities.”
Methuen Hospital continues to offer a range of acute care services for the region including 24/7 emergency care, surgical and orthopedic services, imaging and laboratory services, vascular care, behavioral health, breast care services, and more.
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About Merrimack Health
Merrimack Health is the region’s first health care system serving the Merrimack Valley, prioritizing care and services based on the needs of its patients and supporting those who deliver their care. Serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, Merrimack Health includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. A recognized leader in heart care and stroke treatment, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical care, trauma and emergency services, and outpatient programs, Merrimack Health delivers trusted, compassionate care close to home.