St. Luke's Baptist Hospital unveils nearly $3 million in Women's Tower enhancements

Enhancements create boutique environment and experience new moms want and deserve

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 3, St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital and city leaders helped unveil the hospital’s newly enhanced Women’s Tower in the medical center.

(San Antonio, TX) – St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in the Medical Center listened and answered the needs of expectant San Antonio moms who expressed real and perceived concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why on March 3 the hospital unveiled nearly $3 million in upgrades and renovations to its Women’s Tower including two sky-suites designed to complement their OB and midwifery centered program. The program is designed for women seeking a more natural birthing experience with access to the highest level of maternal and neonatal care a hospital can provide.

Liza Denman, chief strategy officer for Women’s Services at Baptist Health System, said the goal of the enhancements is to create a more patient-centered, boutique environment and experience for women who deserve it especially after two years of navigating their healthcare needs among the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

“We found that many women were afraid to go to the hospital during the pandemic, Denman said. “As the virus surged, expectant moms researched alternative delivery methods outside of the traditional hospital setting. However, we want women to know that no matter what the circumstances, they can receive the safest care within the hospital with the amenities, comfort and experience of a birthing center. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety to ensure a joyous delivery for mom and family,” Denman said.

St. Luke’s Baptist is one of two designated hubs for advanced women’s and neonatal services within Baptist Health System and the system leader for midwife-centered care. Last year, St. Luke’s Baptist received a Level IV Maternal Care Designation. Level IV designation is the highest level of maternal and obstetric care a hospital can provide.

“This designation provides the peace of mind for women and their families that we are here to provide the best care available no matter their situation or geographical location,” said Philip Koovakada, St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital CEO. “We want to be their hospital of choice within the South Texas Medical Center,” Koovakada said.

St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital dedicated resources and specialized training to advance their maternal and neonatal programs with the focus on delivering the highest level of care within a boutique care setting.

The Women’s Services Tower at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital is comprised of 13 L&D and 26 post-partum suites, a 36-bed Level IV NICU, dedicated OB hospitalists, an OB Emergency Department, and two dedicated L&D rooms to support a midwife birthing experience. The project includes front entry signage, modern aesthetics, and upgrading standard amenities throughout their Women’s units including two dedicated sky suites with expanded amenities for mom and family.

Koovakada said St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital dedicated resources and specialized training to advance their maternal and neonatal programs with the focus on delivering the highest level of care within a boutique care setting.

“The modern amenities complement the personalized experience that makes St. Luke’s Baptist a destination site for obstetrics within the Medical Center,” Koovakada said.

The expansion project at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital is part of a larger investment and program branding initiative that Baptist Health System announced last year dedicated to enhancing the Women’s Services offerings across several of its hospital campuses. The plans represent an initial investment of $10 million dedicated to facility renovations and expanded outpatient access. In 2021, Baptist Health System announced the brand launch of The Nest at Baptist Health System. The Nest encompasses the compassionate and comprehensive level of services, experience, and quality offered throughout the Baptist Health System network.

Source: National Institutes of Health