DC orders hospital to suspend baby deliveries, prenatal care

WASHINGTON – The Department of Health in Washington, D.C., has ordered a hospital to stop delivering babies and offering prenatal care for the next 90 days.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that district officials declined to say what prompted the suspension at United Medical Center. But the hospital is implementing a plan to improve those services.

Health department spokesman Tom Lalley said the agency was limited in what it could say about licensing decisions. A spokesman for United Medical Center did not respond to an email and phone call seeking more information.

The long-troubled public hospital in Southeast Washington serves some of the city’s poorest residents. Other services at the hospital are unaffected by the move.

A recent Department of Health report suggests other hospitals in the city can accommodate expecting mothers.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com