Overview of Services at Manchester Memorial Hospital

Manchester Memorial Hospital offers these services and more:

• Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services
• Ambulatory (one-day) surgery
• 24-hour emergency department
• Diagnostic testing and treatment (x-rays, CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography)
• Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
• Lab services (blood draws, urinalysis)
• Laser surgery
• State-of-the-art maternity unit and neonatal care (see below)
• Child Life services and education programs (see below)
• Cancer care
• Hospice care
• Sleep study center
• Extensive mental health program
• Wound clinic
• Diabetes Self-Management Program

ABOUT OUR MATERNITY SERVICES

Baby Pictures

The Family Birthing Center - Manchester Memorial Hospital » View Baby Photos

Many women don't realize that in order to deliver their baby at a certain hospital, their obstetrician must be a member of that hospital's medical staff. Some women choose a doctor based on convenience to home or work - but if they become pregnant, they may be disappointed to realize that they cannot deliver their baby at the hospital of their choice because their doctor is not on staff there.

For a free tour of the SBM Charitable Foundation Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital, please call (860) 647-4735.

The obstetrician/gynecologists on our medical staff earn rave reviews for their skill, approachability, and caring. Many of our doctors have midwives affiliated with their practice. Some of our ob/gyns are solo practitioners; others are in a group practice. Learn more about the obstetrician/gynecologists on ECHN's medical staff who deliver babies at Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital.

A variety of childbirth education programs are provided by the staff of The Birthplace at Rockville General Hospital and the SBM Charitable Foundation Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Call ECHN Perinatal Education at (860) 647-4790 for class information, schedule and fees. Programs include:

• Childbirth Refresher
• HypnoBirthing®
• Big Brother And Sister Program
• Breastfeeding
• Baby Care
• Infant Care For Adoptive Parents
• Newborn Massage
• Pregnancy & Postpartum Fitness
• Birth Doula Support

At The SBM Charitable Foundation Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital, we are committed to doing all we can to make the birth of your child a joyful, memorable and medically secure experience. We offer you as many choices and as much flexibility as possible in your care. Our experienced, caring staff explains and respects your options before, during and after the birth of your child.

There will be times when you want your baby with you for feedings and hugs, and times when you really need your rest. Our nursery staff is completely flexible, caring for your baby whenever you choose and bringing your baby to you for "rooming-in" whenever you ask. Our nurses also provide one-on-one support during labor, as well as guidance on breastfeeding, diapering and bathing your baby.

ABOUT OUR NEONATAL SERVICES

Neonatology services - a new level of expert care - are available to babies born at Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital with special health challenges.

Neonatologists are pediatricians with advanced training in caring for sick or premature infants. They have joined the ECHN medical staff to care for babies at The SBM Charitable Foundation Family Birthing Center at MMH and to consult at The Birthplace at RGH.

Pediatricians have special training in the care of children and can skillfully treat most health problems in newborns. But for complex or high-risk situations, a neonatologist has additional training and expertise. Neonatologists are medical doctors who have had four years of medical school, three years of residency training in general pediatrics, and three years of training in newborn intensive care.

If a newborn is premature or has a serious illness, injury, or birth-associated problem, a neonatologist may assist at the time of delivery with the baby and in the baby's subsequent care. If a problem is identified before the baby is born, a neonatologist may become involved to consult with the obstetrician and the prospective mother and father during the pregnancy.

Very sick babies still may be transferred to the UConn Health Center, as has been done in the past. But many families are relieved to know that their babies can now receive a high level of expert care right in their community hospital, close to home and without the need to travel longer distances. Babies born at RGH who need closer supervision by the neonatologists can be moved to the higher-level nursery at MMH and still remain close to home and their families. Members of the neonatology group are available for consultation for babies born at RGH and to help determine the level of care needed.

Some of the conditions the neonatologists have treated include infection, pneumonia, jaundice, low birth weight, respiratory distress, and feeding intolerances.


ABOUT OUR CHILD LIFE SERVICES

It is the role of the Child Life Specialist to provide children and families with the information they need to feel comfortable with their hospital experience. Child Life Specialists have the necessary child development training to tailor a specific program for children and teens based on their age and developmental level. ECHN's Child Life Services offers:

• Pre-operative tours and preparation prior to tests, surgery, and procedures
• Accompaniment and support during medical procedures, tests and anesthesia induction in the operating room
• Sibling support and education
• Provision of age-appropriate activities
• Therapeutic medical play
• Support to children of adult patients to help them understand a parents' illness or death

Hospitalization, medical procedures, illness, and pain are especially scary experiences for children and their families. However, when a child's first visit is friendly and fun, it can make a world of difference in easing fears. ECHN offers three exceptional programs at no charge to school groups and youth organizations:

• A Visit To The Hospital (available during one week in spring) - This hospital-based program at Manchester Memorial Hospital is designed to give preschool and kindergarten children a better understanding of health care and serve as an opportunity to prepare them for potential hospital experiences. Children learn about hospitals and medical equipment, listen to their own heartbeat with a stethoscope, view X-rays, make finger casts, and give a shot to a grapefruit. In addition, children are also taught about doctor and nurse attire such as scrubs, hats, masks, and gloves.
• A Visit In The Schools (pre-school and kindergarten only) - This school-based program that is similar to the program which takes place in the hospital.
• Teddy Bear Clinic (an educational program designed for 3-11 year olds) - Each year, ECHN hosts its annual Teddy Bear Clinic at either Manchester Memorial Hospital or Rockville General Hospital. Children learn about everything from getting X-rays to taking temperatures, making casts and mending broken bones, using their favorite dolls or stuffed animals as "patients." They can also climb aboard an ambulance and enjoy activities.

To learn more about ECHN's Child Life Services, which are available to all children and their family members, and information about any of the above free community education programs, please call ECHN's Child Life Specialist at (860) 646-1222, Ext. 2417.