Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital’s obstetrics unit is reopened for moms and newborns after a few months of moving patients to Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord as part of the pandemic response.
Grayling Hospital Chief Medical Officer Aditya Neravetla, M.D., said as part of Munson Healthcare’s regional plan for COVID-19, Grayling Hospital was designated as the health system’s eastern region care site for pandemic patients. When the pandemic reached orange or widespread status, Grayling Hospital needed to increase inpatient beds for a potential surge in coronavirus patients.
Obstetrics services were shifted to Gaylord on April 8 and reopened for patients in Grayling on July 1.
Grayling Hospital’s eight-bed maternity unit is one of two Blue Cross Distinction Plus Centers within the Munson Healthcare System. In addition to meeting specific quality metrics and treatment expertise, the distinction plus designation demonstrates that the hospital provides more affordable care and better overall patient results. Staffing within the unit reflects a multidisciplinary approach to identify and appropriately care for high risk cases.
Hospital Chair of the Obstetrics/Gynecology David LaGatutta, M.D., said staff are focused on ensuring patient safety and quality care as the pandemic continues.
“Women should feel comfortable going to Grayling Hospital to deliver babies due to a secluded OB unit that is physically isolated from the rest of the hospital,” he said. “We have a dedicated OB healthcare team that is wearing masks and performing daily health screenings including temperature checks. We have a policy of testing each laboring patient for COVID-19 on admission, and there is a very low rate of coronavirus amongst the pregnant patients in our service area.”
More information on services at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/grayling.