Merit Health River Oaks Opens First and Only OB Emergency Room in Rankin County
3/16/2026
Merit Health River Oaks has announced the opening of its new OB emergency room, the first and only obstetric emergency department in Rankin County, providing specialized, around-the-clock emergency care for expectant mothers.
Designed specifically to meet the urgent needs of pregnant patients, the OB emergency room will provide care for women experiencing pregnancy-related concerns. The unit features five private exam rooms and is staffed by board-certified OB physicians, experienced nurses and highly qualified clinical staff trained in obstetric emergencies.
“This new OB emergency room represents a major step forward for maternal care in our community,” said John Whiteside, CEO of Merit Health River Oaks. “By offering specialized obstetric emergency services in one convenient location, we are ensuring expectant mothers receive timely, expert care close to home when it matters most.”
“The creation of a dedicated OB emergency room allows us to evaluate and treat pregnancy-related complications more quickly and more effectively,” said Dr. David Waddell, OB ER medical director at Merit Health River Oaks. “When a mother comes in with concerning symptoms, minutes matter. Having a specialized team and space designed specifically for obstetric emergencies ensures both mom and baby receive timely, focused care from providers who do this every day.”
The OB emergency room offers focused evaluation of pregnancy-related symptoms, faster access to specialized providers and a care environment designed specifically for mothers and babies. This specialized approach helps reduce wait times and improves the overall patient experience compared to a traditional emergency department.
Convenience and safety were key considerations in the design of the new unit. The OB emergency room is located in an easily accessible area of the hospital with convenient parking, close patient entry, and 24/7 security. The hospital’s centralized location in Flowood allows for a fast and seamless arrival during urgent situations.
In addition, Merit Health River Oaks is home to a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), providing advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns. Staffed by highly trained neonatologists, neonatal nurses and specialized respiratory therapists, the NICU is equipped to care for babies who require complex medical support immediately after birth. Having a Level III NICU on site ensures that mothers and babies who experience complications can receive the highest level of care - minimizing the need to be transferred to another facility which offers families greater peace of mind during a critical time.
“Our goal is to remove barriers to care during what can be stressful moments for expectant mothers,” said Kim Harrell, chief nursing officer at Merit Health River Oaks. “From the moment a patient arrives, they are cared for by a dedicated team in a space designed specifically for obstetric emergencies, providing both reassurance and exceptional clinical care.”
In addition to Women’s Services, Merit Health River Oaks offers a wide range of healthcare services, including heart care, stroke care, orthopedics and surgical services, ensuring patients and families have access to advanced medical care across multiple specialties, all within one hospital.
The opening of the OB emergency room reinforces Merit Health River Oaks' commitment to expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care for families throughout Rankin County and beyond.
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