STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital Women’s Health and Childbirth Center has been recognized as a Missouri AIM Star by the Missouri Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health.
The recognition signifies the hospital’s completion of the organization’s Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy Collaborative.
Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, can have a devastating effect on a mother and baby. Preeclampsia, a condition signaled by high blood pressure, is the leading cause of maternal mortality — occurring in one in every 25 pregnancies.
To achieve the recognition SGCMH implemented new policies to address severe hypertension in pregnant women. The clinic staff was educated and trained on proper assessment. Protocols were put in place to rapidly address severe hypertension to prevent stroke. Expecting mothers with elevated blood pressures are screened in Labor and Delivery for signs of worsening hypertension and immediate steps are taken to protect the patient and the unborn child.
“Completion of this project means that SGCMH is well trained to care for pregnant women with severe hypertension. Additionally, all SCGMH Labor and Delivery staff continue learning throughout the year to stay current on changes to this protocol. I am very proud of the hard work done by everyone to achieve this recognition,” said Bernadette Hill, MSN, RN, director of Women’s Health and Childbirth Center.
The MO AIM initiative launched in 2019 to support hospitals’ implementation of evidence-based practices to improve the rapid treatment of high blood pressure and ensure timely follow-up care after delivery. Hospitals within the collaborative participated in education and training, policy development, and data reporting, while increasing patient and family education on the reportable signs and symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy.
“The evidence is clear — early intervention for hypertension can save the lives of a mother and child,” said Jon D. Doolittle, Missouri Hospital Association President and CEO. “AIM’s Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy Collaborative is a powerful tool in efforts to reduce maternal and child harm in Missouri. These hospitals are making a difference for their patients.”
During the two-year program, 25 hospitals met the criteria for successful implementation.
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit county owned community hospital that works to continue to improve the health and well-being of the community. Our professional staff uses advanced technology and medicine to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate healthcare.