Re-opening dedicated in memory of nurse Shannon Adams
Full labor and delivery services returned to Norfolk General Hospital on Monday.
In September, the hospital temporarily transitioned obstetrical care to the Brant Community Healthcare System because of staffing challenges.
“Access to safe, local obstetrical and newborn care is so important to the health of families, and we are so excited to be able to offer that once again at Norfolk General,” said Dr. Jamie Szabo, chief of obstetrics.
“Thank you to all the nurses, physicians, midwives, surgeons and administration who believed in the importance of this department and worked tirelessly to get us to this point.”
Szabo said the re-opening of the labor and delivery unit was made possible after several months of aggressive recruitment efforts held by Norfolk General’s acquisition team, and through a partnership with St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, which assisted in the training and education of staff .
While recruitment efforts continue, staff levels at Norfolk General are sufficient to fully re-open the labor and delivery program, said Szabo.
“We are thrilled that labor and delivery services are fully returning to Norfolk General on a permanent basis,” said Kim Mullins, vice president clinical and chief nursing executive. “The re-opening is primarily the result of our dedicated teams at NGH who persevered and never gave up to bring this much-anticipated service back to our community.
“I know the temporary reduction of services lasted longer than anyone wanted or expected and I want to thank the community for their understanding and support during these times.”
Norfolk General has also welcomed back the Midwives of East Erie and Norfolk Roots who will continue to provide care to expectant mothers.
The re-opening of the labor and delivery unit is dedicated to registered nurse Shannon Adams, who had worked at Norfolk General for more than 18 years. Adams died of cancer early this year.
“We are proud to dedicate this re-opening to our friend Shannon Adams,” said Robin Varnes, director of obstetrics. “She would have loved to be here for this re-opening and I’m sure she is looking down on us today.
“Although Shannon is no longer here delivering babies, her spirit lives on and her kindness and compassion will be a reflection of the care that we will provide our patients and their families every day.”
