Wake County’s First Women’s Hospital Opens

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County’s fifth full-service hospital – and the first and only women’s hospital in the area – opened for patient care on May 11. WakeMed North Family Health & Women’s Hospital, an expansion of the health system’s existing North Healthplex, will deliver a whole new experience for families in northern Wake County and surrounding communities.

The 248,800-square-foot, 61-bed women’s hospital brings with it new and expanded services including general surgery, urology, gynecology and obstetrical care, as well as maternal-fetal medicine, lactation specialists, gestational diabetes education, pediatric audiology screening and outpatient diagnostic mammography. Childbirth facilities include private labor & delivery rooms, a C-section room, a family-centered post-partum unit and a six-bed Level III Special Care Nursery.

“Women of every age will have access to a variety of services, while close to family and close to home,” said Sheri De Shazo, R.N., vice president and administrator, WakeMed North. “The campus will continue to serve men and children through our existing emergency department and outpatient surgery, rehabilitation, imaging, lab and physician office services.”

The new hospital combines advanced technology and exceptional providers with a hotel-like, environmentally friendly design, creating a tranquil space with large, private rooms alongside amenities tailored to women and families. Amenities and specialty offerings will include 24-hour room service dining; in-room massage therapy and eco-friendly spa products; flower service; in-room Wi-Fi and video connections for the family; specialized infant/family photography and a “welcome” gift bundle and a specialty women’s gift shop.

WakeMed North Family Health & Women’s Hospital will be the health system’s third full-service hospital offering a birthing experience. More than 7,500 babies are born at WakeMed’s hospitals in Raleigh and Cary each year – more than any other hospital system in Wake County.

The new hospital also ushers in a new model of maternity care – the laborist program. The women’s hospital will staff a specialized group of OB hospitalists, known as laborists, to support patients and assist providers around the clock, ensuring an extra level of quality and safety. Experts in caring for women in labor and delivering babies, these in-house physicians will provide 24/7 inpatient care while working directly with a patient’s primary OB/GYN.

WakeMed North Family Health & Women’s Hospital will continue to offer outpatient care for the entire family including 24/7 emergency services, day surgery, diagnostic and lab services and physical rehabilitation, as well as several specialty care and primary care practices.

Additionally, as part of WakeMed’s commitment to the health and well-being of the community, the system always considers the potential environmental impacts and patient benefits of any new construction. With a goal to provide the highest quality of care in the healthiest environment, WakeMed is pursuing LEED for Healthcare Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Brasfield & Gorrie served as general contractor for the expansion project, teaming with Triangle-based design consultants ColeJenest & Stone, Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, BBH Design and Dewberry. Construction began in September 2013.

Photo source: http://www.wakemed.org.