New York Health and Hospitals/North Central Bronx Opens Renovated and Expanded Midwifery Unit

BRONX, New York, June 1 -- The New York Health and Hospitals issued the following news release, dated May 28:

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- Renovated and expanded space will enhance patient experience and improve access to unique midwifery services

- Builds on NYC Health + Hospitals and City's commitment to support community hospital and improve maternal health

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NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx today announced the opening of a new, larger Midwifery Unit now co-located on the same floor as the Women's Health Services Unit to improve patient experience and expand access to the hospital's unique midwifery maternal services. NCB midwives provide a range of care for labor and delivery care during pregnancy, and well care, birth control, menopause, and care related to female gynecological disorders after delivery. The new, relocated unit will reduce the amount of walking pregnant patients need to do to access prenatal services and will allow physicians, nurses, midwifes and other clinicians to move seamlessly between services to care for patients in a larger, more modern space. The renovation reflects an investment by NYC Health + Hospitals to provide access to high quality, culturally responsive care for pregnant women in the North Central Bronx community and the City's commitment to provide safe maternity care at all its public hospitals.

"Midwifes are a vital part of our clinical team and at the heart of our patient-centered approach to maternal care. With this renovation, we mark a significant commitment to women's health in our community and also reaffirm our commitment to the dedicated midwifes who support expectant mothers through every stage of pregnancy and beyond," said Cristina Contreras, Executive Director of NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx.

"Our Women's Health Service team provides moms-to-be with thorough, knowledgeable and compassionate care during and after pregnancy. We are excited to now have a beautiful space that matches the expertise and spirit our caregivers exemplify day in and day out," said Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

"My second birthing experience at North Central Bronx Hospital was exactly what I needed after having given birth at a private institution that didn't understand my needs. The staff was professional, warm and supportive and I have and continue to recommend NCBH to friends and family!" said Sandra Lobo, Executive Director, Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition.

"For over four decades, the Midwifery Unit at North Central Bronx Hospital has provided vitally necessary and critical maternal care for mothers and their children. Unfortunately, New York City's maternal mortality, severe maternal mortality, and pregnancy-associate mortality surveillance data clearly show that African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican mothers have disproportionately worse health outcomes compared to White non-Latina women. This paradigm is unacceptable and I applaud NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx and all of the incredibly hard-working and dedicated health care providers of the Women's Health Services Unit for their leadership and commitment to safe and culturally competent maternity care," said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

"Midwives are an important resource in supporting women and in prioritizing maternal health care as families welcome a new baby. Thank you to NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx for providing these services and improving access to high quality health care for Bronxites," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"I am elated that North Central Bronx Hospital has a newly-renovated midwifery unit to provide better care to soon-to-be mothers in the Northwest Bronx," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. "I look forward to working with community groups to spread the word about this critical service as we all work to improve outcomes for mothers and children in The Bronx and across our state."

"The Midwifery program at North Central Bronx Hospital is an excellent example of the comprehensive care midwives can deliver," said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. "The expanded Midwifery Unit's integration with other hospital services is a crucial step toward improving birth outcomes, reducing maternal mortality and ensuring high quality, culturally-competent pre-natal, post delivery and gynecological care."

"Congratulations to North Central Bronx on the opening of their renovated and expanded Midwifery. Thank you for always being committed to women's health and serving the community," said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.

"The re-opening of a newly renovated midwifery unit in the Bronx at NCB is very exciting. This will help to provide an essential resource for people growing their families in the Northwest Bronx and beyond, promoting improved health outcomes for newborn babies and their mothers. Thank you to everyone at NYC Health & Hospitals and North Central Bronx who helped make this happen, and a big welcome to the future newest members of our community," said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

"At NYC Council we know it is crucial that we improve maternal health across the City, and that means providing more resources for expecting mothers- including midwifes. From labor and delivery care, to birth control, and even menopause; midwives serve as trusted and vital care providers that specialize in woman's health. I am thrilled that NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx will be opening a new, more expansive Midwifery Unit to be attached to their state of the art Women's Health Services Unit. I know that updating and expanding this unit will be a tremendous addition to all the high-caliber services that NCB has become known for. Congratulations!" said NYC Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The $50,000 Midwifery Unit expansion doubles the unit's clinical space - from 2,300 square-feet to 4,800 square-feet. With all clinical services available on one floor, expectant patients can easily access obstetric and gynecological services and the Labor and Delivery suite. Patients will also be able to access the Maternal Fetal Unit for specialized ultrasounds.

The Midwifery Unit at North Central Bronx Hospital was created in 1977. Since then it has delivered more than 90,000 babies, approximately 1,500 annually. The unit has trained over 280 practicing midwives over the years and many midwifery, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and SUNY Downstate, Columbia, NYU and Frontier Midwifery School students.

Appointments are available at NCB by calling call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

Contact: Press Office, 212-788-3339

About NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx (NCB) is a member facility of the New York City Health + Hospitals system, one of eleven acute care facilities within the City of New York. A 215-bed community hospital, NCBH specializes in women's and children's services. Its busy outpatient department has led the way in community-based care delivered in a compassionate and culturally-appropriate manner. It's Labor and Delivery service safely brings more than 1,000 babies into the world each year. NCBH is committed to providing safe, high-quality medical care for any and all in need. For more information visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/northcentralbronx.

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, and post-acute care centers. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. Visit us at www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem.