PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new hospital exclusively designed for mothers and babies will open next month in North Philadelphia.
Temple Women and Families Hospital at Wyoming and Castor avenues will be the area’s only hospital exclusively dedicated to mothers and babies when it officially opens on Sept. 3. Executive Director Sharon Kurfuerst says the ultimate goal is to reduce the rates of both maternal and infant mortality.
“We need to drive those mortality rates down, particularly in communities with a vulnerable population, with challenges in social determinants of health, in accessing care, and our community deserves to be able to have high-quality outcomes,” Kurfuerst said.
The new hospital boasts 13 specialized birthing rooms, 32 private postpartum suites, high-risk pregnancy management, and a Level III NICU for families with babies that require specialized care. Wrap-around services will also be available for the entire family. Kurfuerst says this is what the community has been asking for.
“Women coming in for prenatal care are already asking, ‘Can I deliver at the new facility?’ The answer is, if it's Sept. 3 or after, absolutely, and we can't wait to serve the women and families of the North Philadelphia community.”
Kurfuerst notes the services offered follow families through various transitions, not just obstetric and pregnancy care.
“But also things like care in the perimenopause period, care for menopausal women, programs such as integrated behavioral health, so that women who have coexisting behavioral health and maternal health concerns can access that care all in one place, right pediatric practices on site.”