MGMCSC partners with Belvoir Hospital to provide world-class obstetrics

  • Published
  • By Kathy Canfield and Kristin Ellis
  • 779th Medical Group and Fort Belvoir Hospital Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Obstetrics patients at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (MGMCSC) Women's Health Clinic will soon have their labor and delivery procedures performed at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to better utilize military resources.

Previously, obstetric patients at MGMCSC delivered at Southern Maryland Hospital.

Beginning Aug. 1, obstetrics services will be consolidated in the National Capital Region, which is expected to save the Military Health System more than $2 million per year.

Expectant mothers will receive their care from an integrated health care team of joint military and civilian staff working with a Patient Family Centered Care approach.

"In addition, our delivering mothers benefit from our baby-friendly policy: that skin-to-skin contact, infant rooming-in, and breast-feeding support following delivery to optimize bonding with and health of their babies," said Navy Cmdr. Stuart Shippey, director for surgery at Belvoir Hospital.

Expectant mothers will receive their routine prenatal care at MGMCSC's Women's Health Clinic . When it's time for delivery, a military or civilian obstetrician, along with a nurse midwife or medical resident will be present for the delivery at Belvoir Hospital.

"Our Labor and Delivery department is designed to take on more than what we're doing," said Lt. Col. Amy Asato, Labor and Delivery interim chief. "Belvoir Hospital is averaging 120-140 deliveries each month, but we are capable of up to 200."

Transferring obstetrics care to the military network will bring an additional 25 to 30 more deliveries per month to Belvoir Hospital.

Private rooms at Belvoir Hospital are large, spacious and tastefully decorated to provide state-of-the-art comfort and services. They overlook a wide expanse of greenery and gardens, offering calm, soothing environment to enhance the birthing experience. The facility provides generous patient parking and also specific parking in the front of the hospital for expectant mothers.

"Once you exit the public elevators you will be greeted by hospital staff and directed to the unit. 'Wow' is often used to describe (Belvoir Hospital's) labor and delivery suites and services," said Air Force Maj. Molly George, MGMCSC Women's Health Clinic chief.

After delivery, babies will room with their mother at the Mother-Baby unit. Infants delivered before 36 weeks may be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

MGMCSC Ob/Gyns will begin performing inpatients gynecologic surgeries at Belvoir Hospital this month, "further adding to the utilization of this new and very capable facility," Shippey said.

"Our patients will stay within the military system at a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, we'll have an influx of staff, and overall increase the access to service for our gynecology patients," Asato said. "It's a win for everyone."

Enrollees who prefer to deliver their baby at a facility closer to home may use the TRICARE Standard option. In the event an urgent delivery is necessary, enrollees should go to the closest civilian or military emergency room.

Tours of the labor and delivery unit at Belvoir Hospital are available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Call (571) 231-3442/3446 to schedule a visit. They also offer a 36-week childbirth preparedness class. This class starts in the Women's Health Clinic located in Oaks Pavilion on the first floor behind the waterfall and in the back hallway.