SJHS Mishawaka Medical Center certified Level of Care III for Obstetric and Neonatal Care

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has announced that Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) Mishawaka Medical Center has been certified as an Obstetric Level of Care III and Neonatal Level of Care III facility, validating a level of care that has been provided for decades at Mishawaka Medical Center.

Level of Care III means SJHS is equipped to care for more complex maternal medical conditions, obstetric complications and fetal conditions. SJHS is also able to provide acute and comprehensive care for infants born at all gestations, including the smallest and most premature infants such as those aged less than 32 weeks or weighing less than 1,500 grams at birth.

“We are humbled to have the ISDH validate our Level III certification,” said Amy Murray, administrative director, Maternal Child Services. “For decades, SJHS has been committed to providing care for premature babies in Michiana. Our certification demonstrates our continued obligation to provide the highest level of care to mothers in Michiana during one of the most significant moments of their lives.”

SJHS has long been a leader in advancing care for maternal and infant health in Indiana. In 2012, Mishawaka Medical Center became the first hospital in the region to offer a laborist program, providing 24/7 in-house obstetric-gynecological services to expectant mothers. In 2014, SJHS was one of the few health systems to partner with the ISDH to pilot the process for certifying Level of Care III obstetric and neonatal care. In 2017, the SJHS Maternal Fetal Transport team was developed to help transport expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies, and babies born elsewhere who need a higher level of specialized care, to a Level III or IV hospital.

“The ISDH Level III certification recognizes our legacy in caring for the Michiana community that was started more than 150 years ago,” said Chris Karam, president, Mishawaka Medical Center. “We are honored to serve our new moms and babies with the high level of care that they deserve.”

For more information on the Level of Care III requirements, see http://iac.iga.in.gov/iac/20190911-IR-410180416FRA.xml.pdf.