West Valley Hospital addresses needs of women in Southwest Valley

Contact: Larissa Spraker, 623-245-6723
Date: June 17, 2003

Obstetric services in the Southwest Valley are in high demand. In 2002 alone, 1,658 babies were born to residents in the cities of Avondale, Goodyear and Buckeye. Add in other neighboring cities in the Southwest Valley and the number spiked to nearly 3,000.

"When the West Valley Hospital Medical considered its primary services, obstetric topped the list because there is a clear, direct demand for these services," said Debbie Flores, administrator for West Valley Hospital.

Previously, patients who chose to deliver at a hospital facility were forced to drive between 10 and 20 miles into town, the closest facility being Maryvale Hospital & Medical Center at just under 10 miles. Beginning September 4, 2003, the drive will diminish to minutes when West Valley Hospital Medical Center (WVHMC) opens its doors. The labor and delivery department has 10, totally private labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum suites and many of the same amenities of home, like cable TV and VCR, room service and private baths with a stand-up shower. And all stages of delivery and recovery take place in the same room, so mom never has to leave her room.

When it's time to deliver, registering for admittance is the last thing on a parent's mind, so WVHMC is making the delivery process a bit easier by inviting parents to preregister to deliver at the new hospital, even before it opens. Registration forms are available at wvhospital.com or by calling 623-245-6723. Moms-to-be also can preregister at a special "baby shower" hosted by West Valley Hospital on Saturday, July 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the hospital campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear. Moms can preregister for the event by calling 888-669-3444.

Goodyear resident Sabrina Aquino is pregnant with her first child and has already preregistered to deliver her child, due in November. "It is exciting to be part of something brand new," she said, "and I am especially excited about the private rooms."

Not only is the staff at the new hospital delivering babies, but they are also helping moms and dads prepare for childbirth with childbirth education classes. Two classes are currently scheduled and take place over one weekend. Typically childbirth education classes run over the course of one month, but WVHMC is offering the same, comprehensive information in a more consolidated fashion --- four hours on Saturday and four hours on Sunday. The first class is on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 and still has space available. A second class will be held on August 2 and 3. Both classes are from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. Until the new hospital opens, the classes will be held at the Litchfield Library, located at 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, AZ. Preregister for classes by calling 888-669-3444.

Childbirth education classes are educational for both parents, and for women in their third tri-mester. The classes are free of charge and cover the stages of labor and birth of the newborn, breathing and relaxation, medical interventions, coaching tips, and much more.

Also on June 30, West Valley Hospital is launching a Family Assistance Program, which will offer free pregnancy testing, guidance on finding a physician and financial assistance for those who may qualify for AHCCCS. WVHMC also has a prepaid obstetric package plan that provides pregnant women without private or state-funded insurance an affordable payment option. More information on the Family Assistance Program is available by calling 623-245-6763.