The recent decision by ASST Garda to temporarily suspend the maternity ward at the Gavardo hospital has sparked mixed reactions in the local community. The closure, scheduled for July 1st, has been justified by the decrease in births recorded at the facility.
Reasons for the Closure
According to ASST Garda, the number of births at the Gavardo hospital has been steadily declining. In the first six months of 2024, only 93 births were recorded, with a projected estimate of about 200 births by the end of the year. This figure is significantly below the threshold of 500 births per year established by the State-Regions agreement and represents less than half of the births recorded in 2020. The negative trend began in 2020 and has seen a further decline to 337 births in 2023.
Reorganization of Services
Despite the suspension of the maternity ward, gynecological services and pre- and postnatal care activities will be strengthened. Roberta Chiesa, General Director of ASST Garda, explained that “given a potential catchment area of about 700 births in Valle Sabbia and Alto Garda, the attractiveness index of the Gavardo maternity ward is 30%”. This means that most women prefer to give birth elsewhere despite having high confidence in local healthcare professionals.
Reaction from Healthcare Staff
The decision has sparked a strong reaction from the hospital’s healthcare staff. Midwives, nurses, healthcare assistants, and auxiliary staff have launched a petition on Change.org entitled “Stop the suspension of the Gavardo maternity ward,” gathering over 3,800 signatures in a few hours. The petition states: “The midwifery team intends to express its regret for the women who have so far shown trust in our work and that our will would be to continue to ensure assistance for labor and delivery at the Gavardo maternity ward.”
Continued Commitment
The healthcare staff has also pledged their commitment to providing assistance during pregnancy and in the postpartum period through the implementation of clinics, birth support courses, and breastfeeding support. The petition invites everyone to sign in order to protect the rights to health for mothers and children.
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