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MEDIA ADVISORY |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy
Giancoli Hartman |
State Rep. Frank Oliver |
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Oliver's committee to investigate lack of maternity care options
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 19 -- With more than 30 hospital maternity units having closed since 1997 -- 12 in Philadelphia County alone -- pregnant women are having difficulty finding care. As chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, state Rep. Frank Oliver, D-Phila., is holding a public hearing on the problem.
The hearing on the scarcity of obstetricians and the issues associated with the practice of obstetrics will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21 in the Gouley Auditorium, Braemer Building of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road.
"With only eight maternity wards remaining in Philadelphia, women are experiencing the problems caused by a shortage of maternity care and resources. They are losing access to vital, quality care during their pregnancies -- a time when it's most needed," Oliver said.
"We need to find out why this is happening and what can be done to stem the crisis to ensure that pregnant women and their newborns are receiving the care they need."
Those expected to testify include:
- Barry R. Freedman, CEO, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
- Kenneth J. Braithwaite Sr., vice president, Delaware Valley Healthcare Council
- Joanne Fischer, executive director, Maternity Care Coalition
- Ralph Muller, president and CEO, University of Pennsylvania Health System
- Joseph “Chip” Marshall, president and CEO, Temple University Health System
- Tuerkel Brooks, CEO, Chestnut Hill Hospital
- John Simodejka, president and CEO, Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic
- Jan Fisher, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital
- Dan Blough, Punxsutawney Area Hospital
Media coverage is invited.
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