Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has a new obstetric hospitalist program in which one of four physicians is now present at Blanchard Valley Hospital 24 hours a day, seven days per week to care for women delivering babies.

Dr. Brittany Berens, Dr. Dawn Hochstettler, Dr. Kim Perkins, and Dr. Kate Sanford are experienced physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, focusing solely on labor and delivery at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

“While all of our physicians are highly skilled, the field of obstetrics and gynecology includes so many different aspects, from seeing patients in the office to performing gynecological surgeries to delivering babies,” said Brenda Sciranka, specialty and women’s health director for BVHS. “Some physicians have a real passion for surgery, while others gravitate toward deliveries. Healthcare organizations across the nation are increasingly moving to a model like ours, allowing OBGYN physicians to concentrate on what they love doing.”

Some physicians who see pregnant patients for prenatal care will continue delivering babies. However, having the OB hospitalists available offers OBGYN physicians the option of not being on call. Additionally, women who elect to deliver with midwives at BVH can rest assured that the OB hospitalists are on the floor to support and assist, if needed, to ensure additional safety. The OB hospitalist team also works closely with pediatric hospitalists, who care for infants in need of special care.