AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Opens New Obstetrical Emergency Department

August 28, 2023 — AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center has opened an Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB ED) to serve the nearly 5,000 expecting mothers who deliver at the hospital each year.

The AdventHealth Shawnee Mission OB ED is staffed by a team of Certified Nurse Midwives and obstetrics hospitalists who are employed by the hospital and ensure 24/7 on-site physician coverage. The OB ED Certified Nurse Midwives and physicians will treat patients with pregnancy and postpartum-related obstetrical concerns, including abdominal pain, preterm labor, preeclampsia, abnormal vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, bladder infections, decreased fetal movement and increased blood pressure.

“As maternal mortality and complications continue to increase across our country, we expect the OB ED model to become standard of care and are proud to be leaders in bringing this to our state,” said Judy Hendrix, administrative director of women’s and children’s services for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

The OB ED will not be a major change for expecting mothers delivering at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. The new care model also ensures any moms experiencing OB emergencies who have not had appropriate prenatal care are treated by a Certified Nurse Midwife or physician and directed to appropriate resources for follow up care.

“We are committed to improving the health and wellness of pregnant women within our community and beyond,” said Seabrin Jensen, director of women’s and children’s business development for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “Many women do not have the support or resources they need on the journey of motherhood, and the OB ED is just the beginning of many initiatives we are planning to help improve outcomes for women and children.”