DC Forum Addresses Postpartum Unit Closure and Medicaid Cuts Impact

Community Leaders and Nurses Rally Against Healthcare Reductions in D.C.

Unionized registered nurses from MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) in Washington, D.C. are gathering for a community forum on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to address significant concerns following the closure of the postpartum unit 5F. This unit shutdown, effective since July 26, 2026, represents a substantial reduction in postpartum care capacity at the city's busiest birthing hospital. The event will feature insights from National Nurses United members, community allies, and DC Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, who is also the Democratic nominee for DC mayor.

The closure of unit 5F has sparked alarm over potential negative impacts on patient care and equitable access to healthcare, particularly amid a maternal health crisis affecting predominantly Black women. "At a time when DC faces a maternal health crisis, particularly for Black women and families experiencing the greatest health disparities, we should be expanding, not reducing, maternal health capacity. Nearly all of the DC residents who die during pregnancy or childbirth are Black. Reducing postpartum treatment capacity sends the wrong message at the wrong time," stated Councilmember Lewis George.

Nurses have reported difficulties since the postpartum beds were removed, noting frequent occurrences of the hospital going 'on diversion,' a situation meant to be rare, where patients are advised to seek care elsewhere due to resource shortages. "We have been on diversion at least 14 times since the postpartum unit closed less than six weeks ago," reported Gianna Chacon, a labor and delivery RN. This shortage forces new mothers to remain in labor and delivery beds, limiting availability for incoming patients.

Who: Registered nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and D.C. community leaders

What: Community forum on the future of health care in DC

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

Where: The People’s Church, 4704 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Averie Foster, an RN in postpartum care, highlighted the pressure on nurses to expedite patient discharge, impacting the quality of patient education and care. "We are doing all we can, but when the process is rushed, patients may be leaving with lingering questions or concerns. They are also more likely to return later with complications. Our patients deserve better, and we call on MedStar to reverse the cuts," she stated.

The forum will also explore the broader implications of healthcare cuts across DC, including recent layoffs at Unity Health Care, which saw over 60 staff members dismissed in August. Dr. Kate Sugarman, from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, expressed concern, saying, "It is imperative that our community come together and make clear that DC residents deserve more care, not more cuts. And we demand that Unity and all health care institutions in the city behave with full transparency."

National Nurses United represents over 2,200 registered nurses at Washington Hospital Center, advocating for healthcare improvements and community needs.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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