Brand New Birthing Suites to open at IU Health La Porte Hospital this Spring
An IU Health Starke Release
La Porte, IN – New mothers and their families will benefit from the latest innovations in maternal care as phase one of the Indiana University Health La Porte Women’s Services construction project nears completion.
The leading edge facility, Family Birthing Suites, is scheduled to open in late March. Highlights of the 10,000 square foot addition, located on the second floor of Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, include:
• 10 large suites, allowing mother to remain in the same room during her entire stay
• Spacious suites include private bathroom/shower
• Suites are designed with both beauty and function in mind
• Two of the suites include whirlpool tubs for water labor and birthing
• Two family refreshment centers
• Latest centralized security monitoring system
• Three medical observation/examination rooms
• Upgraded nurses’ station to better meet patients’ needs
Each suite measures approximately 355 square feet. Amenities within all suites include a foldout couch for the father/partner to rest, flat screen TV and wi-fi accessibility for added comfort and convenience. In addition, suites are designed with a calm color scheme, subdue lighting and faux wood floors to create a hotel-like experience for new mothers and their families.
Director of Maternal Health Ann Darrah, RN, said, “Mothers are assured they will continue to receive the same exceptional services at our brand new facility, but now with the latest and greatest amenities for both serenity and convenience. Our experienced staff strives to create a unique birth experience for new mothers and their babies.”
More than half of the Maternal Health nursing staff has 25-plus years of experience, Darrah added.
Before beginning the construction project, IU Health La Porte Hospital gathered input from numerous women in the local community about their birthing experiences and what they would like to see in an ideal birthing center. This input was considered for the current design and layout of the facility.
IU Health La Porte Hospital President/CEO G. Thor Thordarson said, “We want women and families in our community to feel comfortable choosing IU Health La Porte Hospital to welcome their babies. Our new Family Birthing Suites offers the latest in maternal care services to make your birth experience safe and soothing as well as provide each new family the utmost in comfort and quality care.”
The entire construction project includes four phases, and is tentatively scheduled for completion in early 2012. Phase two includes a brand new c-section room, recovery room and newborn nursery. Phases three and four include two additional birthing suites, waiting room, staff locker rooms, lactation room and two OB/Gyn patient rooms.
All those interested are invited to attend a public open house to tour the new Family Birthing Suites on Thursday, March 10 from 6 pm to 8 pm at IU Health La Porte Hospital, second floor.
IU Health La Porte Physicians offers local maternal care to Starke County area women. OB/Gyn physicians Lyjia Strachan, MD, and John Taylor, MD, offer routine office appointments in Knox. They work in conjunction with IU Health Starke Hospital to ensure expecting mothers receive their laboratory and diagnostic imaging needs close to home. Patients of Strachan and Taylor may conveniently deliver their babies at IU Health La Porte Hospital Family Birthing Suites.
• Drs. Strachan and Taylor: 104 E. Culver Rd., Ste. 103. To schedule an appointment, call 574.772.0100.
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Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital, a part of Indiana University Health, has provided leading care to La Porte and the surrounding community for more than 100 years. IU Health La Porte Hospital received Magnet® re-designation, recognizing nursing care among the nation’s top 6 percent of hospitals, while total hip replacement care is also nationally recognized. In addition, the stroke program earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers, and the cancer program received the 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. To learn more about IU Health La Porte Hospital, visit iuhealth.org/laporte.
As the only nationally recognized healthcare system in Indiana, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine — one of the nation’s leading medical schools — and the depth of experience from the most complete network of highly skilled specialty and primary care physicians, gives IU Health unparalleled strength in delivering assurance to patients. Discover the strength at iuhealth.org.