The decision to shut down inpatient and birthing services was done without consulting staff or the community; we can still let Asante know what we think

By Rep. Pam Marsh

Earlier this month, Asante announced the imminent closure of inpatient and birthing services at Ashland Community Hospital. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has been striking.

Just over a year ago, Asante initiated a strategic planning process to determine the future of the Ashland facility. That process included broad stakeholder input and concluded, publicly and with some fanfare, that inpatient and birthing services would be expanded. Twelve months later, and without any discussion with hospital staff or the community, Asante abruptly reversed course and announced closure.

From my perspective, this closed-door approach reflects a lack of respect for both hospital personnel and the community as a whole. In December, Asante assured Ashland staff that all employees would retain jobs following the closure. One day later, Asante issued a 90-day termination notice to Ashland Orthopedics. Other staff are discovering that “retained” positions may bear little resemblance to their current roles, with nurses expected to compete against co-workers for positions at Rogue Regional.

Look at relevant numbers

The loss of birthing services has serious regional implications. Asante has repeatedly stated that only 37 Ashland families used the birth center last year, but that figure presents a misleadingly narrow view. In reality, more than 200 births from families across the greater region relied on Ashland’s services.

I have heard no meaningful discussion of how these births will be absorbed at Asanta Rogue Regional Medical Center. Without viable hospital-based alternatives, more families may be pushed toward home births, with Ashland’s emergency department functioning as the de facto backup.

 Closure of inpatient beds is equally concerning for the many families, including mine, who have used them. 

Operations remain stable

State-maintained financial data indicates that Ashland’s operations remain relatively stable. Here is a direct link to a very good dashboard where you can get multiple points of data regarding Ashland operations dating back to 2007:  Hospital Financial and Utilization Databank.

Under Dashboards, click on Appendix (by hospital); at the top of the next screen, click on Financial Trends. Other hospital finance information, including audited financial statements, is available on OHA’s Hospital Reporting Program website.

The state itself has no discretionary authority in this decision. As currently proposed, Asante will relinquish the existing hospital license and apply for a new license for a stand-alone emergency department. If Asante seeks to transfer Ashland’s 49 inpatient beds to Rogue Regional, the state will require a Certificate of Need process to determine whether those additional beds are justified. Given Asante’s systematic dismantling of services in Ashland to suppress inpatient admissions, it will be important to hear how the organization plans to demonstrate demand for those beds in Medford.

Community feedback from patients, donors and residents is critical. Ashland staff have reportedly been warned that speaking publicly about the closure will result in repercussions — and, of course, those nurses know better than anyone what the loss of services will mean to families. Still, the rest of us can let Asante know how we feel about the proposed closure and the opaque decision process. 

A locally owned hospital system should do better. Our community deserves transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement in a decision that will have profound, long-term consequences.  

Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, is the 5th District representative in the Oregon House of Representatives.

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Related stories:

Asante confirms Ashland Orthopedic Surgery and Spine Care to close (Dec. 19, 2025)

City of Ashland reacts to pending closure of birthing center, end of inpatient care at Ashland hospital (Dec. 4, 2025)

Asante plans to close birthing center, stop inpatient surgery at Asante Ashland Community Hospital in 2026 (Dec. 3, 2025)

Asante Ashland Community Hospital to grow birthing center, maintain emergency services, according to new strategic plan (Dec. 9, 2024)

Hospital will not close, Asante representative tells Ashland City Council (Aug. 20, 2024)

Asante CEO: ‘There will be no gap in coverage’ at Ashland hospital (Aug. 16, 2024)

‘Crisis at the hospital’: Potential loss of anesthesia services, surgical services at Ashland hospital concerns medical professionals (Aug. 8, 2024)

Ashland mayor, councilor weigh in on Ashland hospital concerns (Aug. 8, 2024)

Future of Ashland hospital: Concerned Ashland residents to address City Council at today’s meeting (Aug. 6, 2024)

Memo: Asante completes 3% workforce reduction across region, citing financial losses (Feb. 13, 2024)

Asante Ashland earns coveted designation for age-friendly treatment (Nov. 20, 2023)

Asante Ashland Community Hospital ICU to close by Jan. 1 (Dec. 16, 2022)