Ensuring Continuity of Care and Commitment: UPHS – Bell Women’s Care and Birthing Center “Bell Babies” Remains Strong

To our valued patients, staff and providers:

I write you with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to transparency, especially during times of transition. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UP Health System – Bell (UPHS – Bell), it is both my duty and privilege to address concerns regarding our Women’s Care clinic, Birthing Center and “Bell Babies” program.

I’m aware rumors are circulating regarding the future of our Birthing Center surrounding the upcoming departure of our OB/GYN providers. I want to reassure our community that despite what you may have heard, our Birthing Center is not closing.

First and foremost, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated providers—Kelly Menge, DO, and Kimberly Baker, DO—who have been an integral part of our healthcare family for several years. Their contributions have been invaluable, and while their departure in August may bring about change, it does not weaken our commitment to providing exceptional high-quality care to expectant mothers and their families, as well as any other patients seeking care for women’s health issues.

Our Birthing Center holds a special place within our hospital and our community. It welcomes and celebrates life and new beginnings and offers comfort and solace during some of our patients’ most trying times. Our veteran team of obstetrics nurses and caregivers remains ready to assist women in the community in childbirth and postpartum recovery, and our services will continue uninterrupted. On the outpatient clinic side of our facility, Bell Women’s Care covers patient visits ranging from reproductive healthcare to gynecology diagnoses requiring treatment or surgical services for women of all ages. The clinic will continue to be a place for women to seek care without pause. Both the Birthing Center and Women’s Care are vital to our community, so you can rest assured we remain ready and open for you.

While transitions are inevitable in the healthcare industry, they also present opportunities for growth and renewal. We are actively engaged in recruiting new providers who share our vision and values, ensuring seamless continuity of care for all our patients. In the interim, we will be utilizing locum tenens providers who are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. They will provide comprehensive women’s health services, including the coverage of patient visits in the clinic, gynecological surgeries and assisting women during childbirth alongside the labor and delivery staff. Expectant mothers will have the opportunity to meet the providers in the clinic ahead of their delivery.

Again, I want to emphasize that our steadfast commitment to the well-being of our community guides our decision-making process. We recognize the vital role that our Birthing Center and Women’s Care clinic play in providing compassionate and comprehensive care, and we remain fully invested in their continued success. As you’ll remember from the recent publication of our Community Benefit Report, in last year alone, we added five providers in various specialties and made around $1.4 million in capital improvements, demonstrating our ongoing support and growth in the services, providers and staff at UPHS – Bell.

As we navigate these changes together, please know we are here to address any concerns or questions you may have. Your trust and confidence are paramount to us, and we are fully dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, compassion and excellence in healthcare. If you have any questions, please call UP Medical Group | Women’s Care at 906.485.2665 and one of our trusted staff members will gladly assist you.

Thank you for your continued support for our local hospital and the kindness you have shown our staff as we move forward with determination and optimism. Together, we will ensure that our Birthing Center remains a guiding light of new beginnings, hope and healing for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming more Bell Babies and will continue to share details with you in the coming months.

With deepest regards,

Mitch Leckelt, CEO
UP Health System – Bell