MedStar Harbor Hospital News

Harbor Hospital Takes the Lead by Introducing Newborn Identification Program
08/24/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Loewe
o: 410-350-2138
Megan.R.Loewe@medstar.net

BALTIMORE—At Harbor Hospital our highest priority is the safety of all of our patients, especially the safety of our newborn babies. Harbor Hospital has several systems in place to protect our patients. Now, the hospital has added another level of protection—DNA samples.

As soon as a baby is born, a few drops of umbilical cord blood are taken. This is a completely painless procedure for the baby. These few drops will be saved to provide a DNA sample. Just like a foot print or finger print, this information is obtained to identify the child in the unlikely event of an abduction, accident or natural disaster.

When the parent and baby are discharged, they are given the entire DNA sample for their records. The parents enjoy the peace of mind that they will be able to provide essential information, if ever needed.

Harbor Hospital has implemented this service to our safety program with no additional charge to our patients.

To learn more about the Women and Infants’ Center at Harbor Hospital, visit www.yourmiracleatharbor.org.

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For more than a century, Harbor Hospital has grown alongside the communities it serves in Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties. The hospital was first established in 1903 as a small community clinic servicing the waterfront community in Baltimore. More than 100 years later, the 193-bed hospital continues to offer the personal touch of a community hospital while incorporating the excellence of a high technology medical center. It has been the recipient of the Delmarva Foundation’s highest honor, the Excellence Award for Quality for Hospitals, in 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.

With more than 500 physicians representing 30 medical and surgical specialties, and more than 1,500 employees, the hospital offers a full range of health care services for patients from infancy through the senior years. Harbor Hospital’s specialty areas include orthopaedics, women’s services, cancer care, diabetes care, fetal assessment, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, and treatment of chronic lung conditions. The hospital’s continuum of care also includes wellness programs, outpatient services and inpatient treatment.

Harbor Hospital is a member of MedStar Health, a not-for-profit, community-based network of nine hospitals and other healthcare services serving Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region. MedStar Health is the largest healthcare system and one of the largest employers in the region with 26,000 associates and 5,300 affiliated physicians.

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