Methodist Hospital’s Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB ED), which opened in December 2021, is a unique and critical resource for the Sacramento region, providing immediate, specialized assessment for women during their pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum.
Every pregnancy-related death is tragic, especially because about 60% of maternal deaths are preventable. Still, about 700 U.S. women die each year from complications of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The staff at Dignity Health Methodist Hospital of Sacramento is working hard to curb those outcomes and treat serious pregnancy complications.
The hospital’s dedicated Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB ED), which opened in December 2021, is a unique and critical resource for the region, providing immediate, specialized assessment for women during their pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum.
“An OB ED redefines the standard of women’s care in the hospital setting, ensuring that every patient is evaluated by a specialist experienced in high-risk obstetrics and emergencies,” said Dr. Jennifer Overbey, Methodist Hospital of Sacramento’s Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
There are many reasons that a patient might seek care at an OB ED, including bleeding, high blood pressure and abdominal pain. The OB ED at Methodist Hospital is equipped to provide fetal monitoring, ultrasounds, labs and physical exams with humankindness, high quality, and efficiency. The OB ED serves patients starting at 14 weeks of pregnancy, and all patients with a pregnancy-related issue are seen by a board certified Obstetrician.
As of October 2022, the Methodist OB ED has seen nearly 2,000 patients, and is seeing an average of six patients each day. Physicians are identifying serious conditions including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in a timely manner, preventing maternal stroke.
“Any complications or issues that arise as an expectant mother can cause a high level of anxiety and concern,” Dr. Overbey said. “An OB ED provides mom and her loved ones the high-quality care and answers they deserve.”