Trinity Health Of New England has launched a dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department providing around-the-clock specialized emergency care for pregnant and postpartum patients at two Connecticut hospitals.

The OB ED operates on the Labor and Delivery units at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford and Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. The service is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by board-certified OB/GYN providers, including members of the OB Hospitalist program and private OB/GYN physicians. The model allows patients to bypass the traditional emergency department and receive immediate evaluation by obstetric specialists.

"The launch of our Obstetric Emergency Department ensures that pregnant and postpartum patients receive immediate access to experienced obstetric providers who understand their unique needs," said Karianne Silverman, MD, FACOG, Chair, Women & Infants, Trinity Health Of New England. "This model of care improves safety, coordination and peace of mind during what can be an incredibly stressful time."

The OB ED is designed to address obstetrical emergencies, pregnancy-related concerns, and delivery-related health issues for mothers in the weeks following childbirth. Services include fetal heart rate monitoring, diagnostic testing, and direct coordination with a patient's primary OB/GYN provider. Visits typically last two to three hours, beginning with a nursing assessment followed by physician evaluation, after which patients are either admitted or discharged.

"Obstetrics emergencies require specialized expertise and immediate attention," said Irina Magidina, MD, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mary's Hospital. "The OB ED allows our team to rapidly assess both mom and baby in a setting designed specifically for obstetric care, creating a safer, more efficient experience for patients."

The OB ED provides onsite obstetrician coverage during nights, weekends, and holidays when most physician offices are closed, offering Connecticut patients continuous access to obstetric care during those periods. Patients are encouraged to contact their OB provider before coming to the hospital whenever possible.