Million Labor and Delivery Center Set to Open
New Brown University Labor and Delivery Center Opens at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Women & Infants Hospital is set to unveil its new Brown University Labor and Delivery Center, a facility designed to enhance the birthing experience for expectant mothers and their families. This state-of-the-art center will officially welcome patients starting next week, marking a significant upgrade from the previous labor and delivery space, which has been operational since 1986.
The new center, a substantial investment in maternal and infant healthcare, comprises a 20-bed addition covering 18,000 square feet. This new footprint is more than just an expansion; it’s a holistic approach to maternity care. Women & Infants Hospital raised over million to fund this project, with a notable million contribution from Brown University. This funding illustrates the collaborative efforts between healthcare institutions and educational entities to improve community health outcomes.
With labor and delivery rooms that are approximately 440 square feet, these spaces are designed to be twice the size of the former rooms, providing ample space for medical staff and family members to support the birthing process. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including private bathrooms, large windows for natural light, and user-friendly technology that promotes patient engagement in their care journey. Shannon Sullivan, president and COO of Women & Infants, emphasized the importance of patient comfort and personalization in the new design. “We’ve worked to ensure that when patients arrive, they can make this space their own,” she stated.
Innovations extend beyond size; the new center also incorporates advanced healthcare technologies. Among these are Panda Warmers, portable heated bassinets equipped with integrated monitoring capabilities that allow healthcare providers to care for newborns effectively while keeping them close to their mothers. This design not only facilitates immediate post-birth care but also helps alleviate parental anxiety by allowing families to observe all medical interventions firsthand.
Michael Wagner, CEO of Care New England, the hospital’s parent organization, highlighted the center’s role within Rhode Island’s healthcare landscape. With approximately 81% of the state’s newborns delivered at Women & Infants, the hospital is crucial for maternal health services. Wagner remarked on the necessity of providing a facility that reflects the high standard of care offered to families throughout the state, stating, “We are now creating a space that’s commensurate with the experience and expertise that comes here.”
As Women & Infants Hospital prepares to transition all labor and delivery services to this new center, it aims to uphold its commitment to continuity of care for expectant parents and their newborns. By modernizing its facilities, the hospital not only enhances the patient experience but also reinforces its integral role in Rhode Island’s healthcare system.
The opening of the Brown University Labor and Delivery Center represents a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of maternal care in Rhode Island, aiming to set new benchmarks in both comfort and clinical excellence for new families.
