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South Shore Health Introduces Obstetrics Emergency Department

July 7, 2020

South Shore Health is proud to debut an Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB ED) at South Shore Hospital, further enhancing its innovative women’s healthcare and maternal service offerings.

The OB ED provides patients with proper and efficient care to help eliminate any complications that may arise during pregnancy.

First-of-its-kind in Massachusetts, the Obstetrics Emergency Department is a highly beneficial resource for any mother who is over 20-weeks pregnant and may be experiencing a pregnancy-related emergency. 

Kimberly Dever, MD, Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, expressed her excitement over the creation of the department as well as the important services it will provide to patients.

“The OB ED program will promote continuity of care, patient safety, expedited treatment, and better outcomes for pregnant women over 20 weeks of gestation.” Dr. Dever said. “Expectant mothers can leave the hospital with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their concerns are being managed with specialized expertise.”

With a dedicated obstetrics team, the OB ED can typically assess, treat, and discharge obstetrical patients much faster than a general emergency department or obstetrical triage setting. A physician and/or Certified Nurse Midwife evaluates every patient.

Additionally, the OB-ED’s location ensures quick access to surgical care for the most serious pregnancy-related emergencies—with 24/7 availability of anesthesiologists and neonatologists. 

Located in the Birthing Unit of South Shore Hospital, the OB ED provides a dedicated space for pregnancy-related emergencies and/or to diagnose labor. The department offers enhanced coverage and a critical safety net to pregnant women who have arrived with obstetrical concerns.

The following symptoms are among those that may prompt a patient to be seen in the OB ED:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Concern about pre-term labor
  • Ruptured membranes
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Urinary Tract or bladder infections
  • Conditions related to high-risk pregnancy (e.g. high blood pressure)

 

Along with being the first and only obstetrics emergency department in the Commonwealth, South Shore Hospital’s OB ED is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While pregnancy-related complications can occur at any time, the entire OB ED staff is ready to treat patients, whether it be day or night.

Insurance carriers will process any visits to the OB ED as an emergency room visit, subject to any co-pays, co-insurance or other applicable fees under a patient’s policy.

The staff at South Shore Health’s OB ED, however, will work with patients to ensure cost is never prohibitive from seeking emergency obstetrical care.