Warren General Hospital Ends Maternity Services Amid Staffing Shortage

Warren General Hospital (WGH) will cease its inpatient labor and delivery services starting next week. This decision results from a prolonged national recruitment effort and an unexpected reduction in physician availability. WGH announced the change in a statement, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to patient safety.

For several years, the hospital has relied on two physicians for its OB-GYN program. On December 29, 2025, WGH learned that one of those physicians would not be available for deliveries in the foreseeable future. The hospital’s administration had previously engaged in extensive recruitment strategies, including outreach to 28 residency programs and collaboration with 10 recruiting agencies. They also contacted every available candidate on a leading job board and sought assistance from legislators.

Despite these efforts, the national shortage of OB-GYN specialists has hindered the hospital’s ability to maintain sufficient staffing for a 24/7 labor and delivery unit. “Our priority is, and always will be, the safety and well-being of our patients,” stated Dan Grolemund, CEO of Warren General Hospital.

The hospital has a history of delivering approximately 175 babies annually, a significant decline from around 400 deliveries per year two decades ago. As a result of this change, WGH will work closely with expectant mothers to provide alternatives for labor and delivery care. The options include UPMC Chautauqua, located 20 miles away, AHN St. Vincent Hospital at 62 miles, and UPMC Hamot Magee-Women’s Hospital at 67 miles.

WGH has also established a partnership with Dr. Michael Scutella from OB-GYN Associates of Erie, who will offer labor and delivery services to patients in the area. Additionally, Dr. Hannah Zank, currently in her OB-GYN residency, is set to join WGH’s team in July 2027.

This announcement highlights a troubling trend in the region, as it contributes to the growing shortage of maternity care facilities in northern Pennsylvania. Several hospitals nearby have also ceased labor and delivery services in recent years. Bradford Regional Medical Center has referred patients to Olean General Hospital since 2019. Penn Highlands Elk moved its services to DuBois in 2024, while UPMC Cole relocated its services to Wellsboro in 2025.

Counties in this area without maternity services now include McKean, Elk, Cameron, Potter, Warren, Clarion, Clinton, and Forest. In total, more than 20 counties across Pennsylvania have been identified as lacking adequate maternity care facilities. The closure of WGH’s labor and delivery unit raises concerns about access to maternal healthcare for women in these underserved regions.