By Courtney Schmoll, Regional Communications, IU Health East Region—
MUNCIE, IN – The Indiana State Department of Health has re-certified Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital as a Level III obstetric and Level III neonatal facility under the state’s Level of Care program.
Level III hospitals are equipped to care for complex maternal medical conditions and obstetric complications, as well as infants requiring neonatal intensive care.
“The level of maternal and neonatal care we provide means mothers and babies receive the right care, even when needs are complex,” says Rachel Harbison, director of clinical operations, women and children services. “From labor and delivery to the mother–baby unit to the NICU, our teams work together so care is safe, compassionate, and close to home.”
Indiana legislation that went into effect in September 2019 requires all hospitals offering obstetric and neonatal care to be certified based on the services they provide. The Level of Care certification is designed to give pregnant women and their doctors clear information to help them choose the facility best suited to their needs, which is especially critical for women with high-risk pregnancies.
Among the requirements for a Level III obstetric and neonatal facility are demonstrated experience and capability to provide comprehensive management of severe maternal and neonatal complications, an onsite intensive care unit, advanced imaging onsite and nurses with advanced, continuing education in maternal-fetal nursing including the management of women with complex maternal illnesses and obstetric complications.
Level III hospitals must always have an OB/GYN and neonatology provider physically present, as well as a full complement of subspecialists readily available for consultation.
“We have a long tradition of caring for mothers and babies in East Central Indiana,” says Jeff Bird, MD, president, IU Health East Region. “Level III recertification affirms that commitment today and sets the expectation for the years ahead. Families can feel confident knowing that they have access to highly skilled, comprehensive care right here in Muncie.”
The hospital’s Level III certification will remain in effect through May 2027. For more information about maternity services at IU Health Ball, visit iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. It is part of an elite group of hospitals with Magnet designation for nursing excellence. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Jeff Bird, MD, is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
About Indiana University Health
Named the “#1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at iuhealth.org.
