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October 31st, 2022

The loss of children's units in rural hospitals is not a turn for the positive. The reason for the loss, money. Hospital systems make a lot more money treating adults than children. We have seen this come to light in the rural areas of North Carolina. The consolidation of care has been magnetized to Charlotte's inner city at the expense of most hospitals in a 60 mile radius.

At our rural hospital, there are nights where we can no longer admit children to our (still available) pediatric floor because of nurse staffing. Many parents have to drive down to Charlotte, 50 minutes, or worse take an ambulance ride for a few thousand dollars.

The consolidation of services to the inner cities has advantages, this is not one of them.

Be aware,
Dr. M

Baumgaetner NYTimes