Copley Hospital Birthing Center
Why we are considering multiple options and what is happening now.
Last week we shared how the healthcare landscape in Vermont needs to become more affordable and efficient. The consultant hired by Copley’s Board of Trustees earlier this year is currently working on the review of the Birthing Center.
- Copley’s consultant will be speaking with Birthing Center staff
- They will also meet with members of the State Legislature, the Green Mountain Care Board, and state stakeholders.
Everyone on the Copley Board hears those who have raised their concerns, praised our midwives, nurses, and doctors, and asked questions about care and proximity to other birthing facilities. We share your appreciation of the Birthing Center and the excellent care provided by our staff.
Birthing Statistics:
- In 2024 Copley averaged approximately 14 births per month, or one birth every two days.
- Since 2006 when Copley welcomed 316* births, the numbers have steadily dropped. In the 18-year span currently being used in the review, births at Copley’s Birthing Center have dropped by 42%.
The decline in births, which has been drawn from a statistically significant amount of time, shows it is unlikely to rise in coming years. *Here it is important to clarify the number of births attributed to Copley Hospital on the State’s vital statistics site reflect all recorded births: whether born at home, on the way to the hospital, or a birth taking place in the birthing center. This is important to note because the consultant is reviewing the number of births that take place in the Birthing Center.
Costs:
Our review includes a thorough examination of operational costs and reimbursement, and use of the Birthing Center in the past, present, and the anticipated future. From the Oliver Wyman report: “Morrisville HSA population forecasted to decline, aged population (65+ years old) is projected as 31.2% of total HSA population by 2040.”
- Currently, a vaginal birth at Copley is billed at a bit more than $7,000, whereas the state’s largest hospital charges more than $17,100 for the same type of birth.
- An obstetrician, anesthesiologist, midwife, two nurses, recovery staff, and a pediatrician are available in Copley’s fully staffed Birthing Center every day of the year.
- With fewer births and less money coming in to cover costs, there is less available to update or repair equipment, hire staff, or keep services open.
- Insurance or Medicaid may not cover the full cost associated with a birth–even one that goes smoothly with no complications.
- The majority of the Birthing Center’s operating costs are not being reimbursed and must be absorbed by Copley.
A possible solution:
One possible solution to consider as part of a strategic, regional approach, is to designate Copley’s Birthing Center as a regional birthing center. By attracting patients from nearby hospitals with a declining numbers of births, Copley could increase its birth numbers.
We hear you.
We are a community-focused volunteer board, we take our role seriously. We are nurses, business owners, community leaders, patients of Copley, and your neighbors. We value the excellent care at Copley too. It is our obligation to review all services and budget shortfalls as suggested by the Oliver Wyman report which came out of Act 167.
We ask for your patience as the consultant reviews the current volumes in Birthing Center. We are committed to keeping you, our community, informed. The Board of Trustees takes the weight of this decision very seriously.
Sincerely and with care,
Copley Hospital Board of Trustees and Administration