To see pictures and videos of the renovated maternity care space, click here.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Aug. 10, 2023 – Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center today opened the doors to its completely renovated mother-baby unit on the sixth and seventh floors of the hospital. This unit, which provides around-the-clock care for newborns and their parents, was the final step in a multiphase construction project specifically designed to enhance all aspects of maternity care.
The project also included opening the region’s first obstetrics emergency department, completely renovating the hospital’s labor and delivery unit, and installing a modern new design throughout the entire women’s and children’s facilities. This included adding a bright and spacious new waiting area on the first floor of the hospital for family and visitors to enjoy. These enhancements are part of the hospital’s campuswide $400 million enhancement plan that launched in 2019. This plan also includes the addition of a brand-new critical care tower set to open in 2025.
“There’s no greater feeling than being able to help welcome new life into the world,” said Ann Smith, DNP, director of women’s services at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. “It’s a responsibility that we take seriously and have proudly supported for well over a hundred years in this community. Our goal with this renovation is to not only make the patient experience more enjoyable, but to also provide the very best in advanced care and comprehensive support. As a mom, I’ll add that while the renovated building is beautiful, the best part is our people, the incredible team that cares so passionately about our youngest patients and their families.”
Emergency care for mom and baby
Forsyth Medical Center opened the region’s first and only obstetrics emergency department (OB-ED) in 2019, so that women with pregnancy complications or emergencies can bypass the traditional ER and receive specialized care from an ob-gyn.
“Historically, triage was staffed by registered nurses who would contact the ob-gyn on call should a need arise,” said Dr. Lewis Lipscomb, ob-gyn and physician executive at Novant Health for the greater Winston-Salem market. “We wanted patients to be able to come to the hospital at any hour of the day and be able to see a board-certified obstetrician, with experience managing any kind of pregnancy complication. Addressing this need was a huge step forward in the delivery of OB care in our area.”
Should a patient need to be admitted early, the hospital’s 18-bed antepartum unit has also recently been renovated and relocated to the sixth floor. This special unit is for expectant moms who may benefit from additional monitoring and advanced maternal-fetal medicine care – a subspeciality within the hospital.
Maternity care for all birth plans
When it comes time to deliver, expecting moms will benefit from the hospital’s recently enhanced labor and delivery unit. These rooms, which offer the latest in childbirth support and technology, are accented with warm, home-like design elements and comfortable new furniture for guests and family members.
These rooms are nearly twice as large as the hospital’s previous labor and delivery rooms, and nine have been outfitted with hydrotherapy tubs. Research shows that using hydrotherapy during labor can help a patient's pain and anxiety and promote pelvic muscle relaxation, which could possibly decrease the duration of labor.
A special place to bond
After delivery, most new mothers and their baby will move to the hospital’s mother-baby unit for one to two days.
While this time is vital to monitor the health of both mother and baby, the goal of the redesign is to make their hospital stay as welcoming and peaceful as possible. Patients and family members will appreciate how each room is nearly 20% larger than before and has a new modern feel and layout.
Functionally, the mother-baby unit is made up of 35 patient rooms (25 on the seventh floor and 10 on the sixth floor) and features six rooms specifically designed to accommodate mothers who have delivered multiples (twins or triplets).
The nurses’ station has also been strategically relocated to be more accessible to patient rooms. The change will enhance overall efficiency, allowing for more timely care to be delivered.
What if baby comes early?
Another common concern for expectant mothers is that baby may come early.
At Forsyth Medical Center, premature babies are cared for in the advanced 56-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU is well-equipped with a team of highly trained doctors (neonatologists), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants and nurses, all ready to provide around-the-clock care. On average, the NICU cares for 800 premature babies every year.
Thanks to the NICU, Forsyth Medical Center serves as a tertiary referral center for 20 surrounding counties.
“When someone goes to a rural hospital that does not have a NICU, and there is potential that that baby may need to be born, that patient can be transported to us at Forsyth Medical Center,” Lipscomb said. “For more than 40 years we have welcomed and cared for many high-risk expecting mothers and their babies. We know these moments can be stressful for the entire family, but our team is experienced and ready to provide the highest level of care and support whenever these traveling patients may need us.”
From routine pregnancies and delivery to the most complex and challenging cases, the maternity care team at Forsyth Medical Center offers patients expert guidance, compassionate care and the latest in advanced treatment options. Visit NovantHealth.org/Maternity to learn more.
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