JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Malcolm Grow Medical Center is partnering with the Southern Maryland Hospital Center for obstetric and gynecologic services beginning in February.
Inpatient OB/GYN procedures, including major gynecologic surgery and full-service inpatient obstetric care for expectant mothers, will be provided by MGMC healthcare professionals using facilities at SMHC.
Due to a Base Realignment and Closure commission decision, the capability for inpatient overnight stays will no longer be available at MGMC as of September 2011.
Partnering with SMHC in advance of this date, "will allow us to preserve these capabilities and offer enhanced full-service OB/GYN care for military beneficiaries," said Maj. Gen. Gar Graham, 79th Medical Wing commander.
"It is indeed a privilege to be of service to the women and families of Joint Base Andrews," said Michael Chiaramonte, SMHC chief executive officer. "SMHC is ready to assist expectant mothers with their childbirth experience in a caring, warm and highly professional setting."
Outpatient OB/GYN services will continue to be provided at MGMC, said Lt. Col. Kathryn Tate, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron commander. This includes prenatal care, well-women care, specialty GYN consult appointments, same day surgery and fetal testing. Expectant mothers will receive their routine prenatal care with fully credentialed Air Force military and civilian obstetric and gynecologic providers.
"When it's time for delivery, an Air Force provider will be at Southern Maryland for the birth of the baby and any other inpatient obstetric services that may be required," said Colonel Tate.
Southern Maryland is a full service medical center, recognized for its center of excellence in maternal and child health. The center has eight labor and delivery rooms and 16 postpartum rooms to provide a comfortable environment. When needed, operating rooms dedicated to OB care are located on the unit for Cesarean births or special procedures. Additionally, SMHC has an onsite Level II Special Care Nursery capable of providing high-risk newborn care to infants delivered as early as 32 weeks of gestation.
"We will do everything in our power to make these special patients feel comfortable, safe and loved," said Mr. Chiaramonte.