Newark, N.Y. — Rochester Regional Health (RRH) announced today that inpatient Labor & Delivery, newborn nursery, and postpartum services at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital will be formally suspended effective September 3, 2026, following conditional approval from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to move forward with the planned closure of the Marshall Birthing Unit. The approval remains pending completion of the required Certificate of Need and remaining conditions outlined by the state.
To support a safe transition, Labor & Delivery services will continue through August 31, 2026. Beginning August 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm, patients who were planning to deliver at Newark-Wayne will be redirected to Rochester General Hospital or other regional birthing centers.
For generations of families in Wayne County and the surrounding communities, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital has been the place where children were born, families grew, and some of life’s most meaningful moments began.
"We know what Labor & Delivery means to this community, and we know this news will be difficult for many families and for our team members," said Michael Rulffes, President and COO of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic. "This is not a decision we wanted to make, but safe labor and delivery care requires specialized nursing, physician, anesthesia and neonatal support around the clock. For several years, we have faced challenges maintaining the full team necessary to provide that care safely. Our focus now is on supporting patients and families through this transition and ensuring they continue to have access to safe, high-quality maternity care."
The health system has worked closely with EMS partners, Rochester Regional Health hospitals, and other regional birthing centers to prepare for the transition. These organizations have reviewed anticipated patient volumes and are well positioned to continue providing high-quality maternity care for women and families in the region.
Importantly, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital is not closing. The hospital will continue providing emergency care, surgical services, inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic services, and many other important healthcare services for the community.
Outpatient prenatal, obstetrical, gynecological, and women's health services will continue locally through the Women's Center - Newark and Obstetrics and Gynecology - Geneva.
Rochester Regional Health has already developed individualized delivery plans with our existing patients to ensure continuity of care and is in the process of contacting pregnant patients with planned deliveries close to or following this date. Patients will continue receiving support, care coordination, and patient navigation services throughout the transition process.
"Our commitment to Wayne County remains unchanged," said Rulffes. "While this is a difficult decision, we are focused on ensuring every patient has access to safe, high-quality care and that no family navigates this transition alone."
Patients with questions are encouraged to contact their OB/GYN provider. Read more about the changes.
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