St. Mary’s shuts down maternity unit earlier than first planned

There won’t be any July 4th babies born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator.

The hospital’s maternity ward is closed as of Thursday. Initially the hospital had said their maternity unit wouldn’t close until later this month.

St. Mary’s CEO John Flanders says the closure is based on limited access to doctors who deliver babies in and around Streator. Flanders says they’re directing expectant moms to other area hospitals including St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.