Piedmont Henry Hospital recently opened a new obstetric emergency department (OB-ED) dedicated to treating emergency, urgent and unexpected prenatal and postpartum issues of expecting mothers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This new department is the first and only OB-ED in Henry County.

  Prior to the OB-ED’s launch, a pregnant patient with complications would go to the emergency department and then be transferred to the Labor and Delivery triage area. Although the patient would see a highly skilled nurse, there was no guarantee they would see a provider during the visit. Now an on-site board-certified physician in the OB-ED will evaluate all patients who are 20 weeks or more pregnant with obstetrical concerns.

  “We are so excited to provide this much-needed service to the community,” said Susan Oswalt, director of women’s services at Piedmont Henry. “The presence of an on-site board-certified OB-GYN physician focused solely on providing the highest level of care to our expectant mothers gives them peace of mind during one of the most important moments of their lives.”

  OB/GYN hospitalist care is a growing trend nationwide that reduces delays in care and improves patient outcomes. In addition to ensuring that expectant mothers receive expert care at a moment’s notice, the hospitalist can communicate with the patient’s personal OB-GYN about her visit and plans for care, ensuring a seamless transition of care.

  “Should they need to see us, mothers and babies are in good hands,” said Oswalt. “This does not change a patient’s regular OB-GYN. Our hospitalists are available to provide care in an emergency, when immediate care is required.”

  Patients can go to the OB-ED at any time, although their physicians may also refer them.

  The Piedmont Henry Women’s Services department, which delivers more than 2,100 babies each year, became the fifth hospital in Georgia to achieve designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital in 2015. As a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the hospital’s NICU offers the most advanced neonatal care and services for infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation, as well as babies born with critical illnesses. The department also offers a variety of maternity and education services, including free lactation classes and infant safety and CPR classes.   For more information on all of the services provided by women’s services at Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org.