Mothers-to-be in Leamington may soon have to go out of town for hospital care.

At a meeting Wednesday night, the board which oversees the operation of the Leamington District Memorial Hospital is expected to consider the closure of its obstetrics department

It’s one of several proposals which will be considered by members who’ll review a report on aligning services.  The obstetrics unit is reported to have an annual operational cost of $1.4 million, but the hospital only receives $700,000 to operate the unit.

The department provides maternal and newborn health services.

Should board members opt to close the unit, the decision would be bumped to the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network for the final say.