RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center officials in Russellville are excited about the hospital’s two newest little bundles of joy: the newly renovated Women’s and Children’s area and the new “goodmoms” and “goodsiblings” programs.
Saint Mary’s renovated Women’s and Children’s area includes new ultrasound equipment; a fetal monitoring system; a strobeguided, remote-control birthing room; all-private post-partum rooms; convertible sofa/daybeds for new fathers and other visitors; a telecommunication system and wireless Internet; and flat-screen televisions.
The new technology has allowed the hospital to become a “tele-nursary.” The new videobased communication system allows physicians and nurses to communicate in real time with other health care professionals around the state.
“Tele-Nursery is a [University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences] and Arkansas Children’s Hospital program with the goals of supporting nurseries statewide and enhancing communication between UAMS, ACH and outlying nurseries,” said Brenda Harrison, community relations director for Saint Mary’s. “Saint Mary’s is one of only 17 hospitals in the state currently chosen to participate in the program, which is funded in most part by a grant from UAMS.”
Dr. Rick Harrison said the technology allows another set ofeyes to look over the newborns and offer opinions about their condition and care.
Teleconferences are scheduled three times a day with neonatologists at Children’s Hospital.
“We can share lab and other test results face to face, and these specialists can actually visualize the baby here in our nursery,” Harrison said. “It gives us another set of eyes on our infants that experience difficulties.”
So far, the new technology has also allowed families to share special moments from far away.
While Brian Butler of Clarksville was stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marine Corps, Saint Mary’s worked with his wife, Alyssa, to make sure Brian could watch the birth over Skype and be part of the event.
“Brian was right there with us, watchingthrough the webcam,” Alyssa said. “He knew exactly what was happening and knew the moment Kylie arrived.”
Expectant mothers may also choose to participate in the goodmoms program.
Participating “goodmoms” receive a pregnancy book on birth and postnatal care; monthly newsletters; weekly e-newsletters; and a take-home kit with gifts, birth announcements and information on childbirth classes, seminars and breastfeeding health.
A similar program for new siblings teaches children what newborns look and sound like and gives them pointers on how to help their parents care for their new little brother or sister.
Once finished with the program, “goodsiblings” receive a small shoulder bag, coloring pages, a certificate ofachievement and a toy.
The program is open to children of all ages, and Harrison said Saint Mary’s will continue to offer programs that benefit the community.
“For almost a century, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has been delivering babies to proud parents throughout the River Valley,” Harrison said. “Our skilled and experienced team of obstetricians, nurses and support staff provides a level of dedication and service that comes from a deeply rooted tradition of caring.”
For more information about the renovation to Saint Mary’s Women’s and Children’s area and any of the hospital’s programs, call (479) 964-5333 or visit www.saintmarysregional.com.
River Valley Ozark, Pages 131 on 08/01/2010