Las Vegas, NM - Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas released the following statement regarding Alta Vista Hospital's OB/GYN services:

"I am encouraged that women are one step closer to regaining access to the critical healthcare they deserve in northern New Mexico, and I urge Alta Vista Regional Hospital to work quickly to fully resume their OB/GYN services," said Attorney General Balderas. "My office took immediate action upon learning of this public health crisis because northern New Mexico women should not be forced to drive hours just to receive the quality care they deserve."

On Friday, Alta Vista Regional Hospital announced the hiring of two OB/GYNs, Carol Kiesling, M.D. and R. Eric Seward, M.D. The hospital hired Kiesling and Seward to aid in the re-establishment of OB/GYN services at the hospital and Las Vegas Medical Group - OB/GYN clinic. According to the hospital, Gynecological services will be available at the clinic in September and OB services will be available in October. Recruitment is still underway for at least ten qualified nurses to staff the unit.