Catholic Health World: More hospitals are adding obstetrical emergency departments. Leaders at Catholic hospitals discuss benefits

Catholic Health World: More hospitals are adding obstetrical emergency departments. Leaders at Catholic hospitals discuss benefits

Catholic Health World recently spotlighted a growing shift in how hospitals are delivering urgent maternity care: the expansion of obstetrical emergency departments (OBEDs)

In the April issue, leaders from Catholic health systems across the country shared how and why they are implementing OBEDs, and the impact these programs are having on access, safety, and the clinician experience.

For organizations like Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), this national recognition reflects a model that has been steadily gaining momentum—and delivering meaningful results—for years.

A model designed for pregnancy-related emergencies

As the article outlines, OBEDs are purpose-built to care for pregnant patients experiencing urgent conditions—ranging from preterm labor to hypertension and bleeding. Unlike traditional emergency departments, these units are staffed by obstetric clinicians and teams trained specifically in maternal care.

This specialized approach allows patients to be evaluated and treated more quickly, without the delays that can occur in a general ER setting.

OBHG has long supported this model by providing dedicated, on-site OB hospitalist coverage—ensuring that hospitals can offer immediate access to experienced obstetric clinicians 24/7.

Improving access in critical moments

One of the clearest themes from the piece is access.

Hospital leaders described how OB-EDs are becoming essential entry points for patients who need immediate care—especially in communities where obstetric services may be limited or where patients might otherwise face delays in treatment.

This is a challenge OBHG sees firsthand. By partnering with hospitals to implement and staff OB-EDs, OBHG helps expand access to timely, specialized care—particularly in markets facing provider shortages or increasing demand for services.

Supporting a strained workforce

Catholic Health World also highlights the impact on clinicians.

By shifting emergent care to dedicated, hospital-based teams, OBEDs allow community OB/GYNs to focus more on scheduled and longitudinal care. Leaders noted this model can help reduce burnout and improve work-life balance—an increasingly important factor in today’s workforce environment.

This is a core component of the OBHG model: supporting both hospitals and their community physicians by creating a more sustainable approach to coverage, collaboration, and care delivery.

A trend gaining momentum

The article points to steady growth in OBED adoption over the past two decades, with continued expansion expected as hospitals look for sustainable ways to maintain and strengthen maternity services.

OBHG has played a key role in that growth, partnering with hundreds of hospitals nationwide to implement OBED programs, standardize care, and improve patient outcomes.

To learn more, read the full article here. Contact us if you'd like to learn about establishing an OBED at your hospital.