A message from Ed Freysinger, CEO, and Seth Loofbourrow, MD, Chief of Staff, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center

In recent days, we have seen questions - and some misinformation - circulating online and in our community regarding maternity services at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (St. Joe’s). We want to take this opportunity to provide accurate information and reassure expectant families that our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for mothers and babies remains unchanged.

Like hospitals across the country, St. Joe’s grants clinical privileges to healthcare providers through established Medical Staff Bylaws and credentialing processes that comply with applicable regulatory requirements. These processes are not new and are designed to promote patient safety, ensure appropriate clinical coverage, and provide patients with access to the medical expertise they may need during their hospital stay.

We recognize and value the important role that many healthcare professionals play in caring for women throughout pregnancy. As a hospital, our responsibility is to ensure that every patient delivering at our hospital has access to the clinical expertise and support they may need during labor, delivery, and recovery. That commitment to safe, coordinated care guides every decision we make.

Patients are always encouraged to discuss their individual care plans with their designated provider. If you have questions about how these recent changes may affect your care, please know that St. Joe’s remains available as a trusted place for your delivery.

As has always been the case, patients delivering at St. Joe’s will be cared for by the hospital’s on-call obstetrics provider during their hospital stay. Our Labor & Delivery team maintains 24/7 obstetric coverage to support mothers and babies throughout the birth experience and remains committed to providing safe, high-quality, compassionate care.

Families can feel confident choosing our hospital for maternity care. Our Family Beginnings program has earned national recognition as a U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital for Maternity Care and Maternity Care Access Hospital and is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care. These distinctions reflect our commitment to exceptional quality, strong patient outcomes, and evidence-based care for mothers and babies.

For generations, families throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley have trusted St. Joseph Regional Medical Center to welcome their newest family members into the world. We are honored to be part of these important moments and remain committed to providing compassionate, high-quality maternity care close to home. Our focus remains where it has always been - caring for mothers, babies, and families with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to safety.