At Ob Hospitalist Group, our mission is to elevate the standard of women’s healthcare through collaboration, safety, and compassionate, evidence-based care. Our partnership with Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan, is a shining example of how hospitalist programs can transform obstetric care—for patients, physicians, and nursing staff alike.
Together, Ob Hospitalist Group and Oaklawn have created a model of maternity care centered on reliability, communication, and teamwork.
24/7 coverage provides a safety net for physicians and patients
With Ob Hospitalist Group’s expert OB hospitalists on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Oaklawn Hospital’s primary care and obstetric physicians know their patients are always covered—day or night.
“The OBHG doctors have been a huge support to Oaklawn Hospital’s community physicians. Not only are they readily available 24-7, but they also offer a ‘safety net’ to the providers. They are available to assist with deliveries or any problems that arise. There is good communication between OBHG and the patient’s providers.”
— Oaklawn Hospital
This continuous presence ensures rapid response to emergencies, support for deliveries, and enhanced safety for every patient who comes through Oaklawn’s Birth Center.
Nurses gain peace of mind, especially on the night shift
Oaklawn’s nurses also feel the difference. Having an Ob Hospitalist Group physician available at all hours provides reassurance and immediate guidance when needed most.
“Our nurses have a ‘peace of mind,’ especially on the night shift. For example, the OBHG doctors are available to look at fetal monitor strips in the middle of the night and run questions by them vs. having to call the patient’s provider at 2am.”
This accessibility reduces stress and fosters a supportive environment where nurses can focus on delivering exceptional bedside care.
The partnership improves efficiency and patient experience
Ob Hospitalist Group hospitalists also assist with reviewing Non-Stress Tests (NSTs) and ultrasound results, which helps streamline care and minimize patient wait times.
“The OBHG providers have been helpful in reviewing the many Non-Stress Tests that we do at Oaklawn’s Birth Center. They will view the monitor strip and any ultra-sound tests the patient may have had. This makes for many satisfied patients. Their wait time is less, and it helps the patient’s already busy primary physician not have to take time away from his or her schedule to view and read these Non-Stress Tests.”
By integrating Ob Hospitalist Group physicians into routine workflows, Oaklawn’s care team can deliver faster, more coordinated care—resulting in happier patients and more efficient operations.
Leadership and teamwork drive success
Leadership plays a key role in every successful partnership. Dr. Okuniewski, Ob Hospitalist Group’s site director at Oaklawn Hospital, exemplifies collaboration, accessibility, and teamwork.
“We love Dr. Okuniewski, the OBHG site director at Oaklawn Hospital. She works great with all the staff—Physicians, Midwives, and Nursing. Dr. Okuniewski is very approachable and is always readily available—not just to the physicians she manages—but to Oaklawn’s Obstetrical team as well. She answers many questions for our department and is always available to help troubleshoot any issues.”
Her leadership has strengthened the relationship between Ob Hospitalist Group and Oaklawn’s entire obstetric team, ensuring smooth communication and clinical excellence.
Collaboration extends beyond the birth center
The impact of Ob Hospitalist Group’s partnership with Oaklawn reaches beyond labor and delivery. The hospitalist team supports Oaklawn’s Emergency Department, providing immediate consults for gynecologic and obstetric patients.
“The OBHG doctors work with the hospital’s main Emergency department, fielding calls from the providers in the main Emergency department. If there is a patient with a gynecological problem, the ED doctor will contact our OBHG provider on call and he or she will see the patient in the main ED.”
This collaboration ensures every woman receives timely, specialized care, no matter when or where she enters the hospital.
Gratitude and shared purpose define the partnership
Oaklawn’s team expresses deep appreciation for the partnership and its impact on patient care and provider support.
“We are thankful to be part of this partnership!”
— Tracee Hathaway, RNC, BSN, Director, Oaklawn Birth Center, Marshall, MI
At Ob Hospitalist Group, we share that gratitude. Together with Oaklawn Hospital, we’re building safer, stronger, and more connected maternity care for the community.