Some members of Clearfield Hospital’s obstetrics team pose in one of the new Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum suites in the Armstrong Birthing Center. The LDRPs look like home and have state-of-the-art equipment to make sure baby's arrival goes as smoothly as possible.

From left are nurse Sue Mason; Dr. Thomas A. Carnevale, chief of obstetrics; and nurses Eva Barnett, Barb Westover and Becky Wood.

The public is invited to tour the newly remodeled unit during an open house scheduled for Thursday, May 17, from 3-5 p.m. Please use the first floor elevators by the information desk in the main lobby to enter the unit.

Earlier this year, a major renovation project to enhance patient safety and comfort was completed, according to Jamie Berkley, obstetrics unit manager.

The public is invited to tour the newly remodeled obstetrics unit during an Open House scheduled for Thursday, May 17, from 3-5 p.m. Staff will be on hand to greet visitors and refreshments will be served.

Those planning to attend should meet at the elevators on the hospital's first floor directly across from the information desk in the main lobby. From there, an attendant will escort them to the unit.

What's New

The renovation project involved the construction of four labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites, in which most mothers remain throughout their stay; three private patient rooms; new furniture and equipment; and a hydro-massage whirlpool room.

The LDRPs are designed to look like home and have state-of-the-art equipment to make sure baby's arrival goes as smoothly as possible, according to Mrs. Berkley. If the need arises, an operating room is nearby for surgical deliveries.

Mrs. Berkley said other personal touches to make families comfortable during their stay have been added, including a special meal for parents after their baby's birth, a new blanket for newborns, hand-knit caps made by Clearfield Hospital's Comfort Care volunteers and a birth certificate suitable for framing.

Unit Named in Memory of Former Obstetrics Nurse

The unit is being named the Armstrong Birthing Center in memory of B. Ellen "Bert" Armstrong, RN, former unit manager, who devoted nearly 50 years to Clearfield Hospital obstetrics. Mrs. Armstrong passed away in March.

"Bert truly loved her job at Clearfield Hospital obstetrics. She was a mentor to many and always strived to help her staff reach their full potential. She held us all to a high standard of nursing care and accepted nothing less," Mrs. Berkley said.

A Committed Staff

While the appearance of the unit has changed, one important aspect hasn't – the knowledgeable and caring staff.

"Our department is staffed with specially trained, highly qualified nurses, many of whom have spent the majority of their nursing careers caring for new mothers and their infants. Among our staff we have a certified lactation counselor, a certified childbirth educator and other nurses who are certified in the maternal-child field," Mrs. Berkley said.

Thomas A. Carnevale, M.D., chief of obstetrics, added, "Clearfield Hospital offers exceptional obstetrics care. We have a committed and experienced obstetrical nursing staff, and the renovations to the unit are patient and family friendly. I encourage the community to attend our open house."

Clearfield Hospital also offers Healthy Beginnings Plus. The program is available to assist low-income, pregnant women. The goal of Healthy Beginnings Plus is to give expectant mothers a positive prenatal experience and to help them reduce the risk of delivering early.

Those interested in learning more about Clearfield Hospital's obstetrics program may contact Mrs. Berkley at 814.765.5341.

For more information about Healthy Beginnings Plus, please call 814.768.2148 or follow the link below.

Related Links
Healthy Beginnings Plus