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The SMI is a statewide effort of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District II in New York State. Its goal is to decrease morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Safe Motherhood Initiative focuses on three specific areas: Obstetric hemorrhage (severe bleeding), severe hypertension (high blood pressure), and venothromboembolism (blood clots).
ACOG works with more than 100 hospitals throughout New York, providing participating hospitals with standardized protocols, toolkits, and in-person training.
The Safe Motherhood Initiative has been implemented at White Plains Hospital by Dr. Jay Lupin, director, obstetrics and gynecology; Jane Ciaramella, perinatal clinical nurse specialist; and Bonnie Thompson, nurse manager.
“We already have an excellent track record when it comes to patient safety," said Lupin. "With the Safe Motherhood Initiative, we are using evidence based protocols to ensure that every patient giving birth at White Plains Hospital has a positive experience.”
Ciaramella also commented on the program.
“The Safe Motherhood Initiative has already resulted in improvements such as getting our patients quicker access to needed medications during hemorrhage, through better placement of medication and communication with our pharmacy,” said Ciaramella.
As part of the SMI, White Plains Hospital staff meet on a regular basis, conduct training drills, and post information throughout the labor and delivery unit to improve outcomes in maternal health.
The Safe Motherhood Initiative is provided at no cost to participating hospitals. The SMI is the result of a grant provided to ACOG District II from Merck for Mothers, a philanthropic campaign focused on eliminating maternal mortality.
