02/05/2024
Like the gradual nurturing of an infant, the creation of a maternity unit is a process that unfolds over time.
The Putnam Hospital Birthing Center is celebrating one year since its reopening in late January 2023. In that time, the Birthing Center has blossomed to include two Nuvance Health-employed obstetrician-gynecologists, a cadre of new and veteran nurses, 24/7 in-house coverage with OBHG hospitalists and an alliance with New York Children’s Medical Providers Services, P.C., an affiliate of the nationally ranked health system Connecticut Children’s, to care for newborns by a team of pediatric specialists in the wellborn nursery.
Nearly 30 babies were delivered in 2023.
“This has been a great start and we look forward to continuing to provide round-the-clock maternity care to our community,” Putnam Hospital President Dr. Mark Hirko said. “We are so grateful for the support of our community in helping to bring back a vital service in Putnam County. We look forward to the future growth and success of maternal care in our region.”
Check out this video on the opening of the Birthing Center.
Prior to opening, the Birthing Center underwent a series of renovations funded, in part, by generous community donations and state grant monies totaling $1 million. The refurbished Birthing Center includes:
- Labor and delivery rooms
- An operating suite dedicated to cesarean sections
- Private peri- and postpartum rooms
- A modernized nursery and nursing station
- Large waiting area for families
- Rooms equipped with advanced newborn safety and security systems
“Everyone has been super warm and welcoming and ensuring that I was safe and comfortable,” said Yanique Richards, the first to deliver her baby in the new unit in February 2023. “Overall, it’s been a great experience.”
Cecilia Franco, who delivered the first baby born in the unit in 2024, had similar sentiments.
“Everyone here has been so gentle and kind,” she said. “They have taken care of us so well.”
In addition to the Birthing Center, Putnam Hospital also offers onsite gynecologic and gynecologic oncology services through its Women’s Health specialists.
“We are building a comprehensive program to help women and mothers throughout their entire healthcare journey,” Hirko said.
Learn more about the Birthing Center at Putnam Hospital or call (845) 302-3491 ext. 2513.