'Burden for families': Doctors, parents speak out after North Bay hospital closes pediatric unit

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, doctors and nurses are sounding the call hoping to save the regions only pediatric care unit outside of Oakland and San Francisco. Recently, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital announced it's closing its inpatient pediatric ward. It gives local families fewer options for their kid's medical care.

"So having three kids myself, I really appreciate having the pediatric ward close by in our community," said parent Emily Pope.

Pope says the pediatric unit at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital was there for her 12-year-old son Liam in 2024 when he suffered from several chronic medical conditions. Thankfully, Liam recovered and is now feeling good.

"And I trust if something happened to him again, I would take him to Memorial first, I know the care would be excellent," Pope added.

But recently, the hospital's company Providence Health, announced it was closing its inpatient pediatric unit at Memorial. The move could leave many North Bay and North Coast families up to the Oregon border without a designated pediatric ward.

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"Where will the families go?" ABC7 News reporter Cornell Barnard asked.

"They will probably have to travel helicopter or by ambulance," said Dr. Heather Iezza.

Dr. Heather Iezza works for Providence Pediatrics; she and her colleagues just authored an op-ed in the Press Democrat, expressing concern saying kids without Kaiser insurance need a local hospital.

"It's one of the most vulnerable times in a family's life, having their child need to be hospitalized," said Iezza.

In a statement, the hospital said in part: "This decision was not made lightly... the reality is that the inpatient pediatric unit cares for fewer than two patients a day on average, most of whom stay in the hospital less than 48 hours. Redirecting the resources supporting this unit will help us meet the growing demand for complex adult care. "

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Nurse's unions have criticized the move, and Sonoma County leaders have concerns.

"As I understand, God forbid if a child needs medical attention, they can get in the ER, then be transferred to another hospital but out of county," said Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt.

Dr. Iezza hopes by speaking up, she and her fellow doctors can pause the closure and possibly find a solution.

"Being a pediatrician in this community, we want the best for our kids and community," Iezza added.

Providence says Hospitals across the country you're facing challenges with pediatric care. The hospital says it will continue to transfer patients needing hospitalization to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.