2002

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2002 - The Buffalo Gynecologic and Obstetric Society, representing nearly 125 practicing obstetricians and gynecologists in Buffalo and Western New York, today announced it supports Kaleida Health's plan to create a "center of excellence" which consolidates women's and children's services.

Society President Adel Chouchani, M.D., said the Society recommends relocating Women's Services from the current Bryant Street campus to a full-service adult- care facility, preferably the Buffalo General Hospital.

"This has been an issue for 30 years and it is finally coming to a head," Dr. Chouchani said. "We must make changes."

Speaking at an afternoon news conference, Ronald Batt, M.D., said women's health care is currently fragmented in our community, preventing physicians from providing the best possible care for women.

"Children's Hospital in its current location at Bryant Street has inadequate facilities for the medical and surgical care for adult women," Dr. Batt said. "The Bryant Street campus lacks virtually all specialty care services for women."

A resolution passed this week by the Society said women deserve the same high quality care as infants and children, adding this can only be provided in a full-service hospital setting.

The Kaleida plan calls for a relocated Children's Hospital that will feature a new pediatrics ambulatory services building, housing a comprehensive outpatient center including clinics, a diagnostic center, an ambulatory surgery center, and a pediatric urgent-care center.

The relocated Children's Hospital would also include a new obstetric area with a surgical suite, a labor and delivery suite, and a 60-bassinet Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as postpartum and newborn facilities.