SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Mercy Medical Center announced it will temporarily suspend maternity and newborn services at its Family Life Center due to ongoing staffing shortages , adding strain to Western Massachusetts’ already limited birthing options.

The hospital said in a statement that “significant provider and nurse staffing constraints that have persisted over several months despite concerted efforts to recruit and retain Family Life Center clinical colleagues” led to the difficult decision. The last day for maternity and newborn services at the center will be December 8,

Certified nurse midwives will continue to provide pre- and post-natal care at Mercy’s outpatient sites throughout the region. The hospital will also continue to support patients and provide hospital-based

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