Message for Obstetricians
Special Hurricane Preparations During Late-Term Pregnancy
When the National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning for South Florida, Memorial Healthcare System works with its obstetricians to assist their pregnant patients prepare and take safety precautions.
Although Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Miramar are full-service acute care hospitals with robust maternity services, they are neither community hurricane shelters nor custodial facilities. Nevertheless, since we recognize that an impending hurricane is especially frightening for a woman nearing the time of her anticipated delivery, we have made special arrangements for those nearing term or at high risk. Therefore, expectant mothers who meet the criteria, below, and who have registered to give birth at a participating Memorial hospital are eligible to ride out the storm at that hospital.
- Expectant mothers who are at 38 weeks or greater gestational age; or
- Expectant mothers who you have identified as having a high-risk pregnancy
Please also discuss sheltering at home with your patients whose clinical condition suggests that it is unlikely they will go into labor during the hurricane and encourage them to build a supply kit. Remember, once winds reach sustained speeds of 40 - 45 mph, police and fire rescue will not be able to respond for help!
Space is very limited and safety precautions remain in place. Therefore, only the expectant mother and one adult companion will be permitted to stay in the hospital. Only service animals designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as recognized service animals, currently dogs and miniature horses, are allowed. Any animals not designated by the ADA as recognized service animals, including emotional support animals, are not permitted.
Expectant mothers and caregivers must follow all infection prevention and safety guidelines for patients and visitors that are in place at the hospital.
Memorial hospitals with maternity services who will shelter registered patients who meet the stated criteria:
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Memorial Regional Hospital
Director Family Birth Place: |
Memorial Hospital West
Director Family Birth Place: |
Memorial Hospital Miramar Director Family Birth Place: |
Please provide your patient with the attached letter and education materials. We ask that you strongly encourage them to complete their registration as that will help the hospitals be better informed of the approximate number of individuals who may seek sheltering. If you have any patients that you are specifically recommending shelter due to clinical considerations, please advise the Director of the Family Birth Place of the appropriate facility.
Thank you for your support and commitment to patient health and safety.