OB Hospitalist Program at Washington Township Medical Foundation Marks 15 Years of Saving Moms and Babies

Pioneering service provides 24/7 support for obstetric emergencies at Washington Hospital

September 11, 2019

“To ensure maternal and fetal safety, it’s a program that truly makes a difference.”

Albert Brooks, MD, is discussing the Obstetrician Hospitalist Program of Washington Township Medical Foundation, which provides 24/7 coverage at Washington Hospital Healthcare System. “Having an OB in-house for obstetric emergencies can save the life of both mom and baby,” said Dr. Brooks, President of Washington Township Medical Group.

Each of the program’s seven OB hospitalists is board certified. They provide immediate benefit to moms in labor and any critical situation they face, along with great value to private practice obstetricians. “An expectant mom’s doctor may be traveling to the hospital when mom’s in crisis,” Dr. Brooks said. “The OB hospitalist on duty steps in and coordinates care until that doctor arrives. It’s really a partnership.”

The care takes many shapes. “We’re experts at managing high-risk situations,” said Lawrence Tiglao, MD, who is Medical Director of the program. “Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, is very dangerous and probably the most common complication,” Dr. Tiglao explained. “We also respond to emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage, and we can lead or assist with a cesarean section. It’s really a full-spectrum service.”

The cases are many and varied. Recently, a patient was in distress due to preterm labor and vaginal bleeding. “From the moment of arrival, she and her baby were in big trouble, so we had to do an emergency delivery,” Dr. Tiglao said. “Our OB hospitalist, the Emergency Department and Washington Hospital’s Birthing Center were with mom and baby every step of the way.”

In another recent case, an expectant mom from Washington state was visiting the area and had an emergency when her water broke. “We were able to safely induce delivery at 34 weeks,” said Dr. Tiglao. The OB hospitalists also consult with all the hospital units, not just the Birthing Center and Emergency Department, in case any type of patient develops an obstetric issue.

Dr. Brooks has the perspective of more than 40 years’ experience as an obstetrician, during which time he had become one of America’s most-respected leaders in obstetric care. Along with Washington Hospital’s executive administration, he helped establish the program in 2004, and directed the program for many years.

“In the early 2000s,” recalled Dr. Brooks, “the industry started recognizing the problem of private practice physicians not always being available for emergent cases. Sometimes, even nurses would have to deliver the baby.”

Today, the OB hospitalist model is widely accepted. When the program was launched at Washington Hospital 15 years ago, fewer than 2 percent of U.S. hospitals had OB hospitalists. Today, that number is close to 85 percent.

“Over the last 15 years, this program has become a critical resource for the community,” said Dr. Brooks, who highlighted the team’s cultural sensitivity and its importance to low-income families with limited prenatal care. “We were early adopters of what is now considered a best practice throughout the nation, and our entire organization is proud to have saved so many lives.”

Discover more about the comprehensive pregnancy and newborn services of our Washington Hospital Birthing Center here.