This LDR/antepartum suite is one of three in the new wing where expectant mothers receive antepartum care as well as deliver their babies. The expansion included an addition to the hospital's Level II Nursery for infants who need special care after birth.

Although the healthcare needs of women may change over time, Summerlin Hospital's recent expansion enables the hospital to better care for women whatever their needs may be. This winter, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center opened a new 28-bed women's unit alongside its existing maternity area, The BirthPlace. The expansion created an entire floor dedicated to the care of women, added new services for women and allowed the hospital to accommodate greater numbers of expectant moms.

The new wing has three rooms designated for labor and delivery or antepartum care of expectant mothers, as well as 16 private suites that double as rooms for postpartum care of new mothers and recovery of women who have undergone gynecological surgery.

In addition, the new area includes an expansion of Summerlin Hospital's Level II Special Care Nursery, increasing the number of sick or premature infants the unit can care for at one time and providing new technologies for care.

"I see the new unit as a way to extend our philosophy of family-centered care," says Deborah Coffee, RN, MN, Director of Maternal/Child Services at Summerlin Hospital. "The BirthPlace has always focused on creating an atmosphere where families could be comfortable by providing accommodations for dads, allowing siblings to visit and letting babies room-in with mom."

Many elements of the expansion complement Summerlin Hospital's thriving Women's Health Program, through which the hospital provides mammography, bone density testing, maternity and gynecological surgery services. "Having a dedicated maternity and gynecological floor for women truly completes our Women's Health Program at Summerlin Hospital," says Leslie Paul Luke, Chief Executive Officer.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106