Brown University Health is expected to announce Tuesday afternoon plans to keep open the birthing center at Newport Hospital.
Newport City Councilor Xaykham “Xay” Khamsavoravong said the announcement is expected at 2 p.m. and that it will include plans for the sustainable operation of the birthing center.
“We put this issue on the radar just two weeks ago and the community’s response was outstanding,” Khamsavoravong told The Public’s Radio. “Brown Health’s planned announcement reflects that they are listening.”
A Brown University Health spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Noreen Stoner Drexel Birthing Center was facing possible elimination due to budgetary challenges for Brown University Health and other health care providers in Rhode Island.
A rally planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday was scheduled to express opposition to the possible closing of the birthing center. Expected Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, a potential candidate for governor, were slated to participate.
Khamsavoravong said the rally will still take place, both as a way to reflect on the latest development and as a way to focus on how to preserve primary care in Newport amid Rhode Island’s ongoing health care crisis.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
