MercyOne Launches Maternal Transport Team in Iowa

MercyOne has launched a new Maternal Transport Team aimed at addressing Iowa's obstetric care shortage, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited. This specialized team, which combines Neonatal Intensive Care and Maternal nurses with Emergency Medical Technicians, has already made a significant impact, successfully airlifting a mother in preterm labor with twins from Waterloo to Des Moines. The initiative comes as the state experiences a decline in obstetric providers, with 41 hospitals closing their labor and delivery units from 2000 to 2021. The Maternal Transport Team has been in development for over a year and utilizes advanced fetal heart monitoring equipment to provide real-time care. MercyOne officials emphasize their commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary healthcare, regardless of their location. The program is expected to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes across Iowa, as it aims to improve access to specialized care.