Margaret Mary Health Collaborates with Riley Children's Health for Nursery Care

Using telehealth equipment, MMH’s nursery team has the unique ability to collaborate remotely with a neonatologist/neonatal hospitalist from Riley.

Nurse Practitioner Patrice Mabra monitors vital signs on an infant born at MMH earlier this year. Mabra is one of five nursery providers at MMH who underwent extensive training with the neonatology team at Riley Children’s Health. Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Margaret Mary Health, located in Batesville, Ind., recently began collaborating with Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis to offer neonatal services to the newborns on its maternity unit.

Following delivery, each newborn is evaluated by one of MMH’s neonatal-trained advanced practice providers. The nursery provider ensures the baby is healthy and identifies any concerns requiring further treatment. In addition to earning a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, all nursery providers spent months training with the neonatology team at Riley Children’s Health.

Using telehealth equipment, MMH’s nursery team has the unique ability to collaborate remotely with a neonatologist/neonatal hospitalist from Riley Children’s Health. Specializing in the care of newborns, the neonatologist/neonatal hospitalist uses technology to observe the baby, monitor vital signs, review test results and offer expert advice to anyone in the room.

After delivering a baby boy at MMH earlier this year, Gretchen Miller of St. Leon found peace of mind knowing her son was examined by MMH’s nursery provider, as well as a neonatal specialist from Riley Children’s Health.

“The providers who took care of Hudson in the room were amazing, and the telehealth process was easy and efficient,” said Miller. “I watched as the doctor from Riley used technology to check his vitals and listen to his heart. I’d give the experience a 10 out of 10.”

MMH’s nursery providers are directed under the leadership of Nursery Medical Director Sandra Hoesli, MD. Dr. Hoesli is an attending neonatologist at Riley Children’s Health and medical director at the NICU at IU Health North.

"Through our collaboration with Margaret Mary Health, Riley Children’s Health is able to provide high-quality care closer to home, benefiting both mothers and babies,” said Dr. Hoesli. "We remain dedicated to fostering innovation and compassion in all our efforts to support families during this important time in their lives.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Riley Children’s Health to bring specialized neonatal care to our newborns,” said MMH President and CEO Liz Leising. “This relationship ensures even our smallest patients receive timely and effective medical attention.”