Cullman Regional has expanded its obstetric and nursery services with the addition of OB-GYN providers and a neonatology nurse practitioner.
Last year, three OB-GYN physicians and an OB-GYN nurse practitioner who were already practicing in Cullman moved their practices to join Cullman Regional Medical Group — the hospital’s employed provider group. Dr. Taylor Massengill, Dr. Thomas Richard, Dr. John Wideman and Lauren Stone, CRNP, made the move when the multi-specialty clinic they had been practicing at transitioned to primary care only and no longer offered specialty care including obstetrics.
“These doctors are well established in Cullman and care for thousands of patients,” said Lisa Courtney, vice president of physician services. “It was important that they did not leave the community, so we worked to create an opportunity for them to stay.”
In March, a fourth OB-GYN physician, Dr. Lance Justice, also joined Cullman Regional Medical Group. Previously Dr. Justice practiced in Guntersville.
“I’m excited to be a part of the growth at Cullman Regional. The facilities here are top notch. I appreciate a hospital system that is willing to invest in patient care and give attention to important details,” said Justice
Prior to Dr. Justice’s arrival, the hospital’s Maternity Center delivered an average of 600 babies a year. That number is expected to grow as the hospital continues its efforts to recruit more OB-GYN physicians to Cullman.
“We’ve been focused on expanding local access to healthcare in our region for years and this is an example of how we are continuing that mission,” said CEO James Clements.
The expected increase in maternity patients and deliveries at the hospital creates a need for more staff which is why Cullman Regional recently welcomed Kara Moore, CRNP, a neonatal nurse practitioner. Moore, who has 30 years of experience caring for newborns in neonatal ICUs in Birmingham, joins a seasoned nursery team that includes eight registered nurses with more than 100 years of combined experience.
“Our maternity nursing team has some of the most experienced nurses in our health system,” said Charna Brown, chief nursing officer. “We’re incredibly proud of the level of care provided to expectant mothers and newborns.”
Cullman Regional is currently renovating its nursery to better accommodate the OB program expansion. While most families practice rooming-in, where postnatal mothers and babies stay together in the same room while in the hospital to promote early breastfeeding and encourage maternal-infant bonding, Cullman Regional recognizes the importance of hospital nurseries in providing essential care for patients.