Sisters Hospital Participates in New Obstetrical Program |

Preparing for the birth of a baby can be a nervous time for expectant parents. They want everything to go well – especially the delivery. Catholic Health’s Sisters of Charity Hospital and Mercy Hospital of Buffalo were recently selected, along with four other New York State hospitals, to serves as a demonstration site for a special program to enhance obstetrical safety. Endorsed by the state chapter of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, MORE OB (Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently) is a comprehensive patient safety, professional development, and performance improvement program for caregivers and administrators in hospital obstetrical departments.

Sisters Hospital and Mercy Hospital are currently the only are area hospitals that offer intensive care services for high-risk mothers and babies. This ensures that families can stay together at the same location when specialized care is needed. “Patient safety is a top priority among our doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff,” said Aimee Gomlak, vice president of Women’s Services for Catholic Health. “Participating in MORE OB is another opportunity for us to enhance the high quality care and service we already provide.” 

Catholic Health will launch the program at Sisters Hospital on May 16th during a news conference. “This program is a game changer for obstetrical care in our community,” Gomlak added. “Clinical errors in obstetrical care are a serious problem that affects babies, their families and providers. By building and sustaining a ‘culture of safety’ in our labor and delivery units, we are ensuring new moms and their babies have the safest birth experience possible.”

The three-year program is based on the proven principles of High Reliability Organizations (HRO’s) including: safety as the priority, effective communication, teamwork, decreased hierarchy in emergencies, practice for emergencies, and reflective learning. By integrating evidence-based professional practice standards with current and evolving patient safety principles, MORE OB hospitals improve clinical outcomes, better manage obstetrical emergencies, and increase patient and staff satisfaction.  

The program at Sisters and Mercy hospitals was funded through a $20,900 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, to support medical research, healthcare and education in the Buffalo area along with cultural and social needs.