January 8, 2008

Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines set a new record for the number of births at a single Iowa hospital for the second year in a row. In 2007, births at Mercy’s Women & Infants’ Center increased 17 percent to a new all-time high of 4,823 births-705 more babies than in 2006. Among the 4,823 births, Mercy delivered 122 sets of twins and ten sets of triplets in 2007.

According to Jackie Frost-Kunnen, senior vice president of hospital operations, “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing patients and their family members with a new baby. The steady volume of deliveries and the record-setting increase in births signal strong community support and endorsement of the quality of care provided in our world-class facilities. Each of our highly skilled nurses and compassionate physicians are committed to creating the best experience possible for every patient. We deeply value the trust they place in us during their birthing experience.”

Patti Rumpf, Birthing Unit director, agreed, “The Women & Infants’ Center staff provides patients with the best in mother and infant care in the warmth of a comforting environment. We strive to make each patient’s stay memorable and relaxing.”

Designed to provide state-of-the-art technology to mothers, babies and families throughout the birthing and post-partum experience, Mercy’s Women & Infants’ Center consists of the Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a specialized Maternity Triage & Treatment Unit, a 15-suite Birthing Unit with three C-section rooms and a 40-bed Mother/Baby Unit with a well-baby nursery.