FROM BLUFFTON ICON - In order to increase bed capacity system-wide, as well as maximize staffing availability in the pandemic response, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) will combine in-patient Bluffton Hospital and Blanchard Valley Hospital obstetrics on the main Findlay campus, effective Mnday, Dec. 14.

The Bluffton Hospital second floor, which houses the obstetrics unit, has an eight-bed capacity that is currently under utilized. With beds and staffing at a premium, as the COVID-19 census and acuity increases, BVHS will re-deploy beds and staffing to best meet the needs of the patients and community.

“This is the secondary phase of our pandemic response plan,” explained Scott Malaney, president and CEO of BVHS.

“The associates who typically work in the obstetric unit at Bluffton Hospital will be re-deployed to the main campus in Findlay to join fellow team members, and the beds on the Bluffton Hospital campus will create additional capacity for patients in need of care.”

All births that would have taken place at Bluffton Hospital will be re-directed to Blanchard Valley Hospital. The Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology office will continue to see patients in Bluffton, with no anticipated changes.

Additionally, Bluffton Hospital will continue to provide all other services including surgery, pain management, imaging, laboratory, outpatient cardiology, rehabilitation, specialty physician clinics and general inpatient care.

Hospitals and health systems across the nation are experiencing these same issues related to bed capacity and staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By maximizing resources across the health system, we can better care for our patients and provide support to each other,” concluded Malaney.

For more information about career opportunities or services at BVHS, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.