Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center is improving emergency care for pregnant patients by launching a dedicated Obstetrical Emergency Department (OBED), allowing women with pregnancy-related concerns to bypass the traditional emergency room and be seen directly by an obstetrics specialist.
The OBED is staffed by a newly established on-site hospitalist service focused exclusively on obstetrical patients. Dr. Abeer Ahmed leads the program and is available along with Dr. Angela Jackson-Lopez to evaluate and treat expectant mothers in a specialized setting designed to meet their unique needs.
“This change ensures pregnant patients receive timely, focused care from providers who specialize in obstetrics,” said Lisa Shafer, the nursing manager for Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Labor and Delivery unit. “It’s about improving continuity of care and enhancing the overall patient experience.”
Previously, all patients were seen in the general emergency department. Now, all pregnancy-related complaints for women who at or over 20 weeks gestation are directed to the OBED, where care is provided by a dedicated team trained in maternal health.
This new change is a sign of Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center’s investment in expanding maternal care offerings, ensuring women in the Lima region have access to high-quality, specialized care close to home. Currently, patients have access to private labor and delivery suites, 24-hour obstetric anesthesia and in-house obstetric coverage, lactation consulting services, and a Level II Special Care Nursery as well as comprehensive childbirth classes accessible both virtually and in-person. To learn more about maternity services at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s, visit mercy.com.
The OBED is staffed by a newly established on-site hospitalist service focused exclusively on obstetrical patients. Dr. Abeer Ahmed leads the program and is available along with Dr. Angela Jackson-Lopez to evaluate and treat expectant mothers in a specialized setting designed to meet their unique needs.
“This change ensures pregnant patients receive timely, focused care from providers who specialize in obstetrics,” said Lisa Shafer, the nursing manager for Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Labor and Delivery unit. “It’s about improving continuity of care and enhancing the overall patient experience.”
Previously, all patients were seen in the general emergency department. Now, all pregnancy-related complaints for women who at or over 20 weeks gestation are directed to the OBED, where care is provided by a dedicated team trained in maternal health.
This new change is a sign of Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center’s investment in expanding maternal care offerings, ensuring women in the Lima region have access to high-quality, specialized care close to home. Currently, patients have access to private labor and delivery suites, 24-hour obstetric anesthesia and in-house obstetric coverage, lactation consulting services, and a Level II Special Care Nursery as well as comprehensive childbirth classes accessible both virtually and in-person. To learn more about maternity services at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s, visit mercy.com.