St. Charles Hospital Opens Renovated Maternal Child Unit

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — St. Charles Hospital’s newly-renovated Maternal/Child Pavilion is now open, the hospital announced via press release.

The unit was designed to feature a hotel-like atmosphere, leading-edge equipment, private rooms and amenities that cater to postpartum mothers, newborns and families.

"Physicians, nurses, and most importantly, new parents, have found the renovated rooms to be
beautifully-designed, roomy, warm and welcoming, providing for the ultimate bonding experience for the new family," said Anne Shea-Lewis, director of Maternal/Child Services at St. Charles Hospital.

St. Charles aimed to significantly improved the postpartum experience by renovating the unit from semi-private rooms to all private rooms. Each patient room features a resort-like atmosphere with new beds, a convertible accommodation for significant others, high-end newborn isolettes with space for babies to room in, allowing for important bonding time. The private spa-inspired bathroom has a spacious walk-in shower, another new feature for the unit.

"The renovation of the Maternal Child Pavilion has greatly enhanced the experience," said Jim O'Connor, president of St. Charles Hospital. "Families now have the room they need to stay together, spend time getting to know their newborn and introducing the baby to family. This renovation has exceeded our expectations. Our families are thrilled with the accommodations and many have compared the unit to a high-end hotel!"

In addition to the renovated unit, St. Charles provides a breakfast buffet every morning for
new parents and, the night before discharge, parents are given a three-course, private dinner for two.

Jerry Ninia, MD, director of Obstetrics/Gynecology at St. Charles Hospital, said the hospital delivers nearly 1,400 babies per year and has been recognized for its safety record.

"The Labor and Delivery unit nurses on average have more than 15 years of experience in the field as do the obstetricians and anesthesiologists," he said. "Women can be assured that they will be in the most experienced hands when they deliver their baby at St. Charles."

In addition, to support babies who need extra medical attention following birth, the Level II Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides continuous, comprehensive infant care by board-certified neonatologists and nurse practitioners trained in neonatology.