FORT WAYNE, IND. – Jan. 16, 2020 – Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC) has received Level III certification for both obstetric and neonatal care from the Indiana State Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Division, recognizing the hospital for advanced care of complex maternal or fetal conditions along with management of low-risk obstetrical and newborn care.
The Indiana Perinatal Levels of Care program certifies all Indiana birth facilities for obstetric and neonatal care. Based on nationally recognized guidelines, Indiana’s program includes four levels of care:
- Level I: Basic care for low-risk pregnancies
- Level II: Level I care, plus special care for high-risk pregnancies
- Level III: Level I and II care, plus specialty management of severe maternal and fetal complications
- Level IV: Regional centers capable of Level I-III care, and management of the most complex/critically ill patients
Indiana hospitals and birthing centers previously self-identified their level of care. Following the work of the Hospital Levels of care Task Force, established in 2010, the Indiana Perinatal Standards were developed and put into law September 13, 2018.
PRMC is among the first Indiana hospitals to receive certification since the state began surveying Level III and IV hospitals at the end of 2019. The hospital applied for and received Level III certification, verifying its previously self-identified Level III status.
“We’re proud to join other Indiana hospitals in completing the certification process, making sure mothers and babies are receiving the right care in the right place,” said Patti Brahe, senior vice president, women’s and children’s services, Parkview Health. “Following the nationally recognized perinatal care guidelines has been shown to help lower infant mortality rates, reduce health care costs and improve outcomes. This is just one piece of the work Parkview is doing to improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies in our region.”
In addition to low-risk obstetrical/newborn care, as a Level III birthing facility, PRMC provides:
- Care for mothers and babies who are very medically complex
- Support services for mothers needing intensive care, as well as babies who are born at extremely low birth weight
- Sub-specialists, including maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric specialties
- Support services, such as pharmacy, dieticians, rehab services and bereavement support, with expertise in caring for special populations
- OB/GYN physicians in the hospital around the clock to provide immediate care for moms or babies
- Nursing staff with advanced education and expertise to identify and support best practices