Dear St. Patrick’s Hospital and Board of Directors, 

We are writing to you as a collective voice of concerned mothers, nurses, and community members regarding the recent decision to close the Family Maternity Center at St. Patrick’s Hospital. As individuals who have relied on and valued the services provided at this center, we are deeply disappointed and saddened by the implications this closure brings to maternal care in our community.

The way in which this decision was communicated has only heightened our frustration. Many of us, including your dedicated nursing staff, were taken by surprise. The lack of prior notice or opportunity for discussion left us feeling blindsided and undervalued. This lack of transparency directly undermines trust in the entire organization. We believe that the communication surrounding this decision does not demonstrate respect and openness that those you employ and those you’ve made a commitment to serve expect and deserve. Transparency and compassion are essential in healthcare; we need to trust that our voices will be heard, especially on matters impacting our families.

We fully understand that St. Patrick’s Hospital operates as a business, and that economic decisions must be made. However, it feels disingenuous for the largest healthcare provider in our state to not prioritize equitable healthcare. And we find it difficult to justify the removal of an entire area of care for women and families - despite budget concerns. 

Further, the way this decision was conveyed to staff and the community raises questions about the credibility of the stated reasons. This situation diminishes confidence in the hospital's commitment to serve all members of our community fairly.

Furthermore, we must address the critical issue of equity in healthcare. Access to quality maternal care is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental right that significantly impacts the health outcomes of women and children. The closure of the Family Maternity Center disproportionately affects marginalized communities, where access to healthcare services is already limited.

Ensuring equitable care should be at the forefront of decisions made by the largest health system in our region. Providence has the opportunity to be the leader and the example by prioritizing accessible maternity services and working toward eradicating disparities and fostering a healthier community for all.

We urge the hospital and the board to reconsider this decision and engage in open dialogue with the staff and our community. We hope that a better decision can be found that could better honor the needs of our families while supporting our healthcare professionals and fostering equitable healthcare. Welcoming a new life should be a celebrated experience, not one overshadowed by a lack of available resources and care or simply viewed as a line on a budget. 



At the very least, we ask that you demonstrate more respect towards the nurses and physicians who also relied on FMC and find a way to right the mistreatment done by the decision and messaging surrounding it. Many of the affected staff were notified they would no longer have jobs simultaneously to the public announcement. Not only is this staff above and beyond in their specialized field but they are also valued community members who were shown little compassion when they demonstrate nothing but compassion when they walk through your doors. 

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We sincerely hope that St. Patrick’s Hospital can reaffirm its commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of mothers and families in our community with respect, transparency, and compassion.