Hendrick Health announces centralization plans for maternal and neonatal services in Abilene

Hendrick Health announced Wednesday it has begun centralizing obstetrical and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit services at Hendrick Medical Center (HMC) and Hendrick Medical Center South (HMC South) into one location at The BirthPlace at Hendrick Medical Center. In summer 2026, The BirthPlace at HMC South will close, allowing Hendrick to bring together its highly trained teams and advanced technology at the north campus.

“We’re excited to share the next chapter in caring for moms and babies in Abilene and our area,” said Precilla Camacho, Abilene Market Chief Nursing Officer for Hendrick Health. “This centralization is part of Hendrick Health’s efforts to increase access to specialized care for the West Central Texas region. While Labor and Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services relocate from our south campus, those dedicated teams will continue their passion for moms and babies in our new home.”

The BirthPlace at HMC offers 24/7 on-site obstetricians, a dedicated OB Emergency Department and a Level III NICU, the highest level of neonatal care available to families in the region. The NICU at The BirthPlace will also expand its capacity and continue to care for newborns of all gestational ages who do not require high-level surgical intervention, including infants transferred via Hendrick Health’s Stork Care transport unit.

Construction and renovations at HMC are scheduled to begin this summer and conclude in early 2028. When complete, The Birthplace at Hendrick Medical Center will increase the number of triage, labor and delivery, antepartum, postpartum and NICU beds.

“With this centralization, we can invest in the best technology, recruit and retain top talent and build a center of excellence that will best serve Abilene and the region,” said Hendrick Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rob Wiley. “What we will offer moms and their newborns will transform pediatric care in this region.”

The BirthPlace at HMC South is scheduled to close May 31, 2026. As these services transition to Hendrick Medical Center, the space formerly occupied at HMC South will become available for future renovation and expansion. By optimizing this space, Hendrick Health can increase its capacity to meet growing acute admissions and surgical volumes, like general surgery and orthopedics.

“The reallocation of much-needed patient rooms is part of our continued commitment to investing in HMC South,” Camacho said. “Centralizing highly specialized care enables Hendrick Health to provide more services to West Central Texas, marking another investment in our people, patients and the future of healthcare in our region.”