SCBH board votes to reinstate obstetric services

Babies will once again be delivered at the Swift County-Benson Hospital when all the necessary pieces fall into place to ensure a safe environment for obstetric services.
At their meeting Monday night, the SCBH governing board voted 8 to 1 to proceed with the steps necessary to allow for deliveries.
While the equipment purchases and facility renovations necessary for obstetric services can be in place in a relatively short time, it could take as long as eight to nine months to have the hospital staff trained to the level required.
SCBH Director of Nursing Mellissa McGinty Thompson told the board that the nursing staff at the hospital needs to be trained in the skills that will allow them to assist with deliveries, care for mothers and newborns.
Over the next several months, eight nurses at SCBH will do four-week rotations at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar working in OB services.
PHOTO:  Benson resident Sue Fitz was a long-time employee at Swift County Benson Hospital.