ELKTON, MD — ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital has announced a major upgrade to its Family Birth Center, promising an enhanced labor and delivery experience for families in Cecil County and beyond. The improved facility will start admitting patients on January 3, 2024.
Around 450 babies are born at Union Hospital annually. The renovation of the 14-bed unit features a modern design, expanded maternity suites, and advanced technology. The unit now boasts three post-partum rooms, eight labor and delivery rooms, three private triage rooms, a tub room for labor assistance, and a nursery.
Amy Marston, the campus executive director, described the renovation as an “exciting moment for our community.” She emphasized that the upgrade was a priority identified during Union Hospital’s integration with ChristianaCare.
Standout features of the upgraded center include an enlarged OB triage suite, expanded patient rooms, and an advanced wireless fetal monitoring system. A redesigned circular pathway around the nurse’s station is expected to potentially shorten labor times. Other improvements include an additional nursing station, upgraded electronics, new TVs, and a relocated lactation office for easier access to breastfeeding support for outpatients.
Joan Pirrung, Chief Nursing Officer of the Cecil County Campus, stated that the new design would enhance the caregiver’s ability to provide top-notch care to patients. “Improvements such as better flow between patient rooms, more workstations for nurses and an enhanced security system will improve efficiencies and safety on the unit,” Pirrung explained.
The ChristianaCare Union Hospital Auxiliary contributed $120,000 to the upgrade project, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the hospital. Since 2009, the Auxiliary has raised over $2 million for Union Hospital.
In addition to the enhancements in the renovated unit, expectant parents at Union Hospital will benefit from ChristianaCare’s partnership with Babyscripts My Journey. This free mobile app supports patients throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey with educational materials and other resources.
Union Hospital recently earned a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, making it one of only five hospitals in Maryland to receive the award. This recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and exceptional care to its patients.
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