Franciscan Health Crown Point's Family Birth Center Recertified For Complex Obstetric, Perinatal Care

CROWN POINT, Indiana - The Indiana State Department of Health recertified Franciscan Health Crown Point's Family Birth Center as a Level III obstetric and neonatal Level of Care facility.

Level III hospitals are equipped to care for complex maternal medical conditions and obstetric complications as well as infants requiring neonatal intensive care.

"I am incredibly proud of our entire healthcare team serving our mothers and babies," said Carrie Renschen, MSN, RNC-NIC, director of the Family Birth Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Franciscan Health Crown Point. "Without their work and dedication to continuous improvement, this re-designation would not be possible. The quality of care we provide our mothers and babies will only continue to rise as we challenge ourselves to meet higher standards."

Indiana legislation went into effect in September 2019 requiring all hospitals offering obstetric and neonatal care to be certified based on the services they offer. The Level of Care certification is intended to give pregnant women and their doctors information to help them choose the facility that is best for them, which is critical for women with high-risk pregnancies.

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows states with levels of care certifications have lower numbers of infant and maternal deaths and illnesses.

Among the requirements for a Level III birth center are demonstrated experience and capability to provide comprehensive management of severe maternal complications, an onsite intensive care unit, advanced imaging onsite and nurses with advanced, continuing education in maternal-fetal nursing including the management of women with complex maternal illnesses and obstetric complications.

Level III birth centers must also have an OBGYN and fetal medicine specialist physically present at all times as well as a full complement of subspecialists readily available for consultation.

Through a partnership announced earlier this year, Lurie Children Hospital of Chicago neonatologists now staff the 20-bed Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit at Franciscan Health Crown Point, caring for the most vulnerable babies and their families close to home.

"The Indiana State Department of Health recognizes the positive impact multidisciplinary education has on the safe care of perinatal patients," Eden Bezy, director of Maternal and Child Health Indiana for the Indiana State Department of Health said in a letter announcing the recertification. "Thank you for your continued commitment to assure women and infants receive equitable and risk-appropriate healthcare."

The Level III certification will remain in effect through October 2025.

To learn more about the Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center, call 219-757-6330.