2 HEALTH COMPASS Winter 2026 Welcome, new OB-GYN patients Erik Thorsen, CEO In August 2025, Providence Seaside announced the difficult decision to close its inpatient obstetric and newborn care services, effective October 4, 2025. This announcement comes during an incredibly challenging period for hospitals. Columbia Memorial Hospital is the largest provider of maternity services in the county and remains committed to maintaining this service for patients and their families in the future. We have experienced higher patient volumes in the past and are wellequipped to welcome additional patients to our Family Birth Center, the CMH-OHSU Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic and the CMHOHSU Health Pediatric Clinic in Astoria. Patients from south Clatsop County can continue to receive the obstetric, gynecological and pediatric care they need at CMH, in a warm and friendly environment close to home. We understand that changing providers can be a stressful experience, and we are here to make the transition as easy as possible. If you’re joining us from Providence Seaside, we welcome you to our clinic and hospital. We’re honored to partner with you through pregnancy, delivery and beyond. Continue reading this edition of the Health Compass to learn more about what you can expect from our teams. Hand surgeries now offered at CMH CMH is pleased to expand its orthopedic services with the addition of hand surgery, led by boardcertified orthopedic surgeon Rolf Sohlberg, MD. Dr. Sohlberg brings more than three decades of experience in orthopedic hand surgery to the CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic. He sees patients for: ● Arthritis, fractures, lacerations and dislocations of the wrist and hand ● Soft tissue masses of the wrist and hand ● Tendinitis ● Trigger fingers ● Nerve compression syndromes ● Dupuytren’s contractures ● Selected adult elbow fractures ● Selected pediatric wrist and hand fractures “I always strive to get to know something about my patients before we formulate a treatment plan,” Dr. Sohlberg says. “People are scared when they come to the doctor, and we as physicians need to show empathy and caring first and foremost, so trust can flourish. CMH has a great team of orthopedic surgeons, and it is a pleasure to live and practice in a smaller community where I can really focus on getting to know my patients.” Dr. Sohlberg earned his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago. He further specialized in hand surgery through a fellowship at USC–Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. The team of surgeons at the Orthopedic Clinic also provides arthroscopic joint surgery; total hip, knee and shoulder replacements; and carpal tunnel surgery, in addition to sports medicine expertise. Seek relief Patients can make an appointment by calling 503-338-4075.
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