Elk Regional Health Center officials announced today that patients have been transitioned into the new unit, which began serving patients a full two weeks ahead of schedule. Future obstetrical or gynecological patients will be admitted to the new unit.
“Hundreds of people came to our open house on June 5,” said Sara Myers, RN, BSN, the nurse manager of Elk Regional’s Maternity Unit. “People kept asking when we would be moved into our new unit – and I am proud to say that we were able to transition to the new unit early. We are thrilled to start welcoming babies into the world in our beautiful new unit.”
Elk Regional’s new Maternity Unit features eight spacious, private rooms that each include a bathroom, a shower, and large windows that flood each room with natural light. There is a 32-inch flat-screen television in each room, along with ample storage space and computers that enable maternity nurses to perform work at the patient’s bedside.
While all of the rooms are equipped for labor, four of the rooms are specially equipped with birthing tubs that can be used for water birth or for pain management during labor. The tubs feature Jacuzzi-like jets, digital temperature settings, and shower heads for maximum comfort. Elk Regional is the only hospital in the region to offer water birth and the skills of Julie Szymanski, a Certified Nurse Midwife.
The new Maternity Unit also features a large, comfortable waiting area with a window into the nursery; a dedicated operating room for emergency Caesarean sections; state-of-the-art nurse call and infant abduction systems; and the latest in fetal heart monitoring and 3D/4D women’s ultrasound technology.
Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System, said the new unit will enhance the quality patient care already provided by Elk Regional’s obstetrical and gynecological care team, which includes Steven Koch, M.D.; Wu Jan Lin, M.D.; Paulette Schreiber, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner; Mrs. Szymanski; and specially-trained Maternity Unit nurses.
Working with the physician specialists, Elk Regional’s team of maternity nurses is able to provide all the care a woman needs as she prepares to welcome a newborn, from prenatal to postpartum care.
“Simply put, a woman expecting a baby should expect nothing less than the best,” Mr. Bauer said. “I am proud to say that Elk Regional offers the best in maternity care. We will continue to invest in obstetric and gynecological services, and we are deeply committed to meeting the needs of mothers and babies in the region. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and memorable birthing experience right here, close to home.”
