UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Opens New Antepartum Unit

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg opened a new dedicated antepartum unit on March 29, which serves pregnant women at high-risk for early birth or complications who need to be hospitalized during their pregnancy. The unit is in close proximity to Labor & Delivery and ob-gyn operating rooms so that providers have quick access to needed services when it is time for birth.

“The completion of the antepartum unit is the culmination of a multi-year project to create a specialized center that address the complex needs of women and babies,” said Philip Guarneschelli, president, UPMC Pinnacle. “This investment honors UPMC’s commitment to provide superior care to central Pennsylvania families.”

Multidisciplinary teams, including UPMC Pinnacle maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians and neonatologists, work together with nursing to provide seamless care for mothers and babies. The team also is supported by social services, therapists and childbirth educators.

The unit houses 11 spacious, private rooms with bathrooms and accommodations for overnight guests, as well as state-of-the-art technology and monitoring equipment for short- and long-term inpatient care. In addition, the unit features amenities such as smart TVs in each room, a kitchenette and group meeting space. 

“We understand that bed rest and hospitalization away from family and friends is stressful,” said Ken Oken, M.D., chair of obstetrics and gynecology, UPMC Pinnacle.  “With this new unit, we are able to give mother and family the best experience by providing exceptional care in a comfortable space for patients and families.”

UPMC Pinnacle is the leading provider of women and infant services in central Pennsylvania, welcoming nearly 6,000 babies a year in central Pa. After 20 years, Harrisburg’s “home” hospital was in need of significant upgrades, modifications, modernization and expansion of services. Construction began in 2017, with a $10.5M contribution from the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation’s Labor of Love campaign.

In addition to maternity and newborn services, UPMC Pinnacle provides a complete spectrum of care for women, including gynecologic oncology, uro-gynecology, maternal fetal medicine, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

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