Eight obstetrics and gynecology wards have ceased operations this year, according to data from Poland’s National Health Fund (NFZ). The planned response to the closure of maternity wards was the creation of so-called “birth rooms.” However, although the relevant regulations came into force six months ago, only one such facility has been established so far.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in response to questions regarding the current number of maternity wards and the opening of birth rooms, the NFZ said it had received reports of deliveries from 283 obstetrics and gynecology wards this year, while eight such wards had discontinued their operations.
“Since June 1 this year, the first intervention maternity point has been operating at the hospital in Wągrowiec, in the Greater Poland Voivodeship. Other hospitals are considering establishing similar facilities, but we will be able to provide details only after agreements have been signed, as was the case with the hospital in Wągrowiec,” wrote Jolanta Zarzycka from the Fund’s communications office.
A regulation issued by the Minister of Health came into force on January 31, allowing births to take place under the supervision of a midwife in hospitals without maternity wards, provided that the facility is located more than 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) from the nearest hospital with an obstetrics and gynecology department.
The measure was introduced as a way to improve access to maternity care in areas affected by the closure of local maternity wards. Despite the new regulations, however, only one such birth facility has begun operating to date.