Sentara RMH Expands Obstetric and Newborn Care

Sentara RMH has expanded its obstetric and pediatric services significantly with the recent addition of neonatologists to the medical staff. Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics, and neonatologists are hospital-based physicians who provide care exclusively for newborn babies, particularly those that are premature or have other advanced medical issues that require treatment in the hospital. Neonatologists also work side-by-side with the pediatric hospitalists caring for well newborns.

 

Sentara RMH is partnering with Pediatrix Medical Group, a division of MEDNAX, to provide the new neonatology care. Pediatrix Medical Group, the nation’s largest provider of neonatal and pediatric specialty services, cares for about one quarter of all U.S. neonatal patients. The Medical Group’s goal is to have two full-time neonatologists on staff at Sentara RMH at all times.

 

“The addition of neonatologists to Sentara RMH increases the quality of care that we can provide for infants born here—both for healthy infants and those with medical conditions,” said Ann Heerens, MD, MBA, FAAP, practice medical director for Sentara Neonatology Specialists. “As specialists in newborn medicine and as part of a national medical group, we provide up-to-date care in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. The addition of neonatologists will also help infants and their families stay in Harrisonburg for care, as appropriate.”

 

Neonatologists work closely with obstetricians, families and other hospital staff to develop appropriate delivery plans and consultation services for high-risk mothers, as well as providing care for high-risk infants, Dr. Heerens added.

 

“We will continue to have a strong relationship with the neonatologists and neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, at UVa to provide seamless transitions for mothers and infants who should not be cared for in Harrisonburg,” she said. 

 

Sentara RMH currently has a Level 2 intermediate care nursery but has applied to expand to a Level 3 specialty care NICU. This expanded NICU will enable Sentara RMH to care for a wider range of neonatal medical conditions, and to provide care that is closer to home for more mothers and infants.

 

“Our nursing staff and medical providers are exceptional, and we are excited to grow and provide a higher level of care to the families we serve,” said Sabrina Shiflett, BSN, RN, NE-BC, director of Patient Care Services. “Sentara RMH will continue to provide high quality care as a Level 2 intermediate care nursery until we hear about our state application to become a Level 3 NICU.”