Westfield Memorial’s Last Baby Delivered June 20th

Westfield Memorial Hospital’s Maternity Department has welcomed many babies into the world over the years, but a special delivery occurred on June 20. Finnigen Scott Reynolds, born at 11:03 p.m., became the hospital’s last delivery as the maternity department ended its services on June 22 in anticipation of the official closure of the unit on June 30.

Finnigen weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. Finnigen’s mom, Kristie Reynolds, says “I drove from Cherry Creek to have my baby at Westfield because of all the wonderful things I have heard about the staff. It has been a great blessing to find out that the wonderful things I heard were so much more than true.” “It is very sad that this part of the community will no longer be here. So from me and all others who have been given the opportunity to experience Westfield Maternity – Thank you, thank you, thank you!!” added Reynolds.

As recognition of this event, the Reynolds’ family received a beautiful hand-made Amish rocking chair that was in the maternity department. Patient Services Manager Kathy Petroff noted, “This chair has rocked many babies here at Westfield and I hope that little Finnigen will now enjoy being rocked in it too.”

Attending physician, Robert Berke, MD, says “Obstetrics is a very special part of my practice. I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting mothers as they bring new life into the world. The staff of the maternity department at Westfield is a dedicated, caring group of professionals who I feel privileged to have worked with for so many years. While I’ll no longer be delivering babies, I’m pleased to be able to continue to provide pre-natal and post-natal obstetrical care through a shared care program with Dr. John Tallett.” “Little Finnegen’s birth was very bittersweet for me and the staff. While we were overjoyed to welcome this precious new life into the world, we were saddened by the realization that an era at the hospital has come to an end.” added Dr. Berke.

Recommendations of the New York State Commission on Healthcare Facilities in the 21st Century, better known as the Berger Commission, became law in January 2007 and mandated that maternity services close at Westfield Memorial Hospital by June 30, 2008. In complying with the Berger mandate, Westfield’s licensed bed complement has been reduced from 32 to four beds for an interim period of two years, beginning July 1, 2008.

Beginning July 1, 2008, the following services will continue to be offered at Westfield Memorial Hospital:

Short stay medical service

Short stay and ambulatory surgical service

24/7 Emergency

Radiology

Laboratory

Four licensed inpatient beds

Cardiac Rehab and Stress Testing

Physical Therapy

Chautauqua Institution Primary Care Clinic

Diabetes Education



To learn more about services offered at Westfield Memorial Hospital, please call 326-4921.