by Kyle Coppola and Cindy Peterson

In a move that has stunned patients, physicians and local residents, UF Health Leesburg announced plans to close its Labor and Delivery unit, along with other women’s and pediatric health services, effective in just 45 days.

“As the health needs of our community evolve, UF Health Leesburg Hospital is expanding and enhancing specialized women’s services to reflect priorities identified in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment for Lake and Sumter counties,” Greg Harrison, Assistant Vice President, External Communications of UF Health says.

“These include high-demand areas such as comprehensive breast health, urogynecology, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and stroke care — especially important for the region’s growing population of women over age 55. To support this shift and provide for continuity of care, we will shift obstetrical services to neighboring hospitals after Oct. 15. With significantly fewer deliveries compared with other regional centers and a community increasingly composed of older adults, maintaining full labor and delivery services is no longer sustainable. We are taking steps to ensure every patient and team member feels supported through this transition.”

Meet Amelia Grace, the adorable bundle born at UF Health Leesburg hospital. Baby Amelia couldn’t wait to say hello, arriving on the last day of 2023 at 10:30 a.m., surprising everyone with her early debut. Proud parents Laura Hyndshaw and family are overjoyed to celebrate Amelia’s unique birthday—123123!

The decision, quietly delivered via email, will eliminate obstetric care, pediatric services and gynecology support at one of Lake County’s primary healthcare providers, leaving expectant mothers scrambling for alternatives in neighboring cities.

“I’m heartbroken and outraged,” says local resident Angela Ugarte, whose 17-weeks-pregnant daughter had planned to deliver at UF Health Leesburg. “Where will young mothers safely deliver their babies? The closest facilities are now in Eustis, Ocala, or Clermont — which means families will be forced to travel long distances in emergency situations. What happens to the women who rely on local GYN care if practices are forced to close or relocate? This decision creates a healthcare crisis for every family in our area.”

Healthcare providers and staff were reportedly given little notice of the changes, despite years of service to the hospital and the community. The abrupt nature of the announcement has raised concerns about transparency and planning.

Dr. Douglas Moffett, an OBGYN at UFHealth, posted on social media his plea.

“Anyone who wants to keep women’s health care in our community, please call UF Leesburg and let them know shutting down our labor floor will cause major harm to the area,” he says. “Where will our young mothers go and who will be here to practice GYN for the other women if the local practices are forced to close down or move as a result? Please make your voices heard. We just found this out and we have 45 days until we are no longer providing OB services in our town!”

Community members fear that the closures will put vulnerable populations at risk particularly women in low-income or transportation-limited households. In emergency situations such as preterm labor or pregnancy complications, driving 30 to 60 minutes to the next nearest hospital could have life-threatening consequences.

“There’s no way other hospitals can support the surge of patient care this will bring,” resident Allison Liston says. “Everyone, please help.”