Some of the Gulf Coast region’s newest residents will be warmly welcomed into the world by their families and the caregivers at Gulf Coast Medical Center on Monday, July 17, 2006, when the medical center officially reopens its obstetrical and newborn services. The services were closed in 2005 by the medical center’s previous owner.
Brenda Whitwell, the medical center’s chief executive officer, made the announcement recently, saying the re-opening of the services is a sign of the medical center’s commitment to the area and its future growth, as well as a great morale booster for the hospital’s staff.
“Providing maternity and newborn care services is so important to all of us at Gulf Coast Medical Center. When HMA (Health Management Associates, Inc.) acquired the hospital on June 1, 2006, we made a commitment to serve the community’s healthcare needs and be a part of the rebuilding and future growth of the Gulf Coast region.
Obstetrical care and newborn care are vital services that this area needs. The bond we form with our patients when they give birth marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the mother and child. The experiences a woman has when she gives birth become an important part of her life story. Our staff is dedicated to doing all that we can to make the childbirth process as safe, comfortable, and family-friendly as possible. The birth of a baby is a very hopeful, happy event and we consider it a privilege to play an important role in the lives of our patients and the future of the area,” said Whitwell.
“We are so fortunate to have four skilled, well-regarded obstetrician/gynecologists on the medical staff of Gulf Coast Medical Center. Drs. Donna Alexander, Albert Diaz, Hebe Diaz and Kathryn McClure are also deeply committed to working to provide the women of our region with excellent obstetrical care. They, along with pediatricians Drs. Nandini Bhargav-Iyengar, Gerald Bristol and Kathryn Sigurnjak who care for the newborns after delivery provide outstanding leadership for our team of caregivers.
We are also very pleased to welcome Jacque Sullins back to Gulf Coast Medical Center in the position of Director of Maternal Child Services. Jacque served in this role at the medical center from 2000 to 2005 and has an excellent reputation for being a nursing leader and mentor to her staff, she also is dedicated to creating a warm, caring environment for the patients and staff on her unit,” Whitwell added.
Gulf Coast Medical Center’s maternity unit features three spacious labor, delivery and recovery (LDR) rooms and a well-baby nursery. Mothers are given the option of having babies “room in” should they prefer keeping the baby in the room with them.
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