MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is reducing the size of its workforce in order to consolidate its Obstetric Labor and Delivery services, the hospital said in a statement.

About 161 associates will be affected, about 1% of Methodist’s workforce. The hospital says those affected who aren’t able to find new roles within their system will be offered severance pay and transition support.

Effective August 1, Methodist will consolidate Labor and Deliver services provided at Methodist South with those at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown and Methodist Olive Branch Hospitals.

They say they decided to discontinue declining services and reduce the size of their workforce, and that the changes “align with their goal of maintaining long-term strength and high-quality services.”

Over the past five years, the hospital says there has been a 43% decline in deliveries. However, Methodist South’s emergency department will continue to provide necessary obstetrics-related emergency care.

The hospital says this is a part of their Planning, Alignment, Transformational, and High Performance (PATH) Forward plan to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.

“As part of our mission to serve the entire community, we regularly examine our service offerings and processes to ensure that they align with community needs and follow best clinical practices in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Dr. Michael Ugwueke, Methodist president and CEO. “Our PATH Forward reaffirms our commitment to the Memphis area.”

Shakendra Davis, who lives in Whitehaven, feels for those losing their job. 

“Everybody have stuff they have to do, they have other lives they have to take care of, they have responsibilities,” said Davis.

“I had a couple of my kids here,” said Davis.

Davis says her children are now one year old, four years old, and 11 years old. 

But she thinks of other families in her Whitehaven community, who might have a tougher time. 

“This is the closest hospital to go to if you’re having a baby,” said Davis.

The CEO said in part, “Our healthcare system has navigated complicated environments for more than 107 years through innovation, compassion and dedication to our workforce, our community, and the patients and families we serve.”