UF Health Leesburg Hospital announced they are expanding its focus on high-demand women’s specialty services, including cardiovascular care, comprehensive breast health, urogynecology, orthopedics and stroke care, as part of a broader initiative to realign care delivery to meet the changing health needs of the local community.

At the same time, the hospital confirmed that “labor and delivery services will sunset later this fall” — a move that eliminates maternity care in Leesburg even as administrators say the strategy is designed to strengthen women’s health services.

Hospital officials framed the decision as a response to shifting demographics and health care demands in both Florida and the nation. They pointed to declining birth rates and an aging population as key drivers of the change. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lake and Sumter counties are among the fastest-growing areas for adults, reflecting an influx of working-age residents as well as retirees, while the number of deliveries at the hospital has steadily decreased.

“This decision was guided first and foremost by our commitment to patient safety and quality of care,” says Heather Long, M.S.N., senior vice president and Central Florida regional president. “We are working closely with regional hospitals that specialize in obstetric care and have the capacity, expertise and neonatal capabilities to deliver safe, respectful and timely maternal services.”

The hospital emphasized that the transition will allow more resources to be devoted to advanced services such as heart health, stroke care, and chronic illness management, which are in greater demand among the region’s aging population.

“While this marks a change in how we deliver maternity care, it reflects our deep responsibility to respond to the evolving needs of our population,” Heather says. “By refocusing our resources, we can better serve our community — particularly as more of our residents face age-related health challenges.”

Still, the shift underscores a paradox for local families. While UF Health Leesburg Hospital is highlighting an expanded emphasis on women’s specialty services, the facility will no longer provide the most fundamental of women’s health needs — maternity care, which has sparked concerns among residents.

UF Health Leesburg Hospital said it is committed to ensuring a smooth and compassionate transition for patients affected by the change. Care teams are reaching out directly to expectant mothers with next steps and personalized transition plans. The system also reaffirmed that emergency care will remain available through its emergency rooms.