Patient Safety at the Women's Center

At the Women’s Center, the safety of our patients, newborns and families is our top priority. Every aspect of care—from labor and delivery to postpartum recovery—is guided by rigorous safety protocols, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained staff. Our goal is to provide peace of mind so you can focus on welcoming your baby and receiving the care you need.

Rapid Response & Emergency Preparedness

In the event of an obstetric emergency, our OB emergency overhead alert activates a rapid response team trained to intervene quickly — including when an expedited delivery may be necessary. For hemorrhage-specific situations, our Code Crimson protocol provides an additional, highly coordinated response to manage and control severe bleeding. Our dedicated crash carts are strategically placed throughout the Women’s Center to ensure immediate access to life-saving equipment and medications.

High-Risk Pregnancy Management

For patients with high-risk pregnancies, our Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists collaborate closely with your OB/GYN to anticipate and manage potential complications. From preterm labor to medical conditions affecting pregnancy, our team provides specialized monitoring, intervention and support to ensure the safest possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Dedicated Women’s Center Operating Room

Our Women’s Center has an operating room specifically designed for obstetric and gynecologic procedures. Surgical teams are highly experienced in maternal care, ensuring smooth coordination for both routine and complex surgeries.

24/7 Care for Expectant Mothers

Our board-certified OB/GYNs are available around the clock, including a 24/7 in-house obstetrician, often referred to as a laborist, who is dedicated exclusively to labor and delivery care. Laborists, anesthesiologists, and specialized nurses work together to provide continuous monitoring and support throughout labor and delivery. In addition, neonatologists are available 24/7, and our Neonatal Transport Team is prepared to respond when higher-level care or preterm delivery support is needed.

Infection Control

Our Women’s Center follows strict infection prevention protocols to ensure a safe, clean environment for every mother and newborn. We have hospital-wide hand hygiene campaign, enforce proven sterilization practices and maintain rigorous cleaning procedures in all labor, delivery and postpartum areas. Our team is trained to recognize early signs of infection and act quickly, supporting a healthy recovery for both parent and baby.

Newborn Safety

Newborn safety is one of our highest priorities. We use a secure infant protection system—HUGS (transitioning to the Cuddles system in January)—to prevent unauthorized movement of infants within the hospital. In the event of a concern, a Code Pink overhead alert immediately mobilizes staff to respond. Our safety protocols also include continuous newborn health monitoring, education on safe sleep practices such as “Safe to Sleep” to reduce the risk of SIDS, and immediate access to neonatologists when needed. Learn more about our neonatologists by clicking here.

Patient Monitoring & Technology

We use advanced technology to support safe labor, delivery, and postpartum care. This includes continuous monitoring of both mother and baby, allowing our care team to track vital signs, contractions, and the baby’s heart rate throughout labor and recovery.

Wireless monitoring options are available to give patients greater freedom to move, change positions, or walk during labor while maintaining continuous oversight. Emergency alert systems are also in place to ensure rapid response if a patient’s condition changes.

Staff Training & Continuous Improvement

Our clinical team participates in comprehensive, ongoing training to maintain the highest standards of obstetric and newborn safety. Staff complete annual Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Trainingor PROMPT simulation training—an immersive, full-day program combining didactic education with hands-on drills to practice OB-specific emergency scenarios alongside anesthesia and nursing teams. Additional yearly training includes high-risk obstetric education, postpartum hemorrhage management, postpartum depression awareness, preeclampsia, and sepsis protocols. With 24-hour laborists and in-house OB/GYN coverage, our team is continually prepared to respond to any situation with skill and confidence.

Diverse, Expert Care

PVHMC is committed to providing safe, respectful, and high-quality maternity care for all patients, regardless of background or circumstance. Our approach emphasizes evidence-based practice, early identification of risk, and coordinated, team-based care designed to support the best possible outcomes for every family. In 2024, PVHMC was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of only 26 hospitals nationwide, and one of five in California, for excellent outcomes among Black maternal patients, including cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications. This recognition reflects our broader commitment to reducing disparities, addressing bias in health care, and delivering expert care that meets the needs of a diverse community.