Merit Health River Oaks Reports Strong Community Response Following Opening of OB Emergency Room
6/2/2026
Merit Health River Oaks is seeing a strong response from the community following the opening of its OB emergency room (OB ER), the first and only obstetric emergency department in Rankin County.
Since launching earlier this year, the OB ER has provided specialized care for hundreds of expectant mothers experiencing urgent pregnancy-related concerns. The OB ER is currently serving over 250 patients a month with continued growth, highlighting the growing demand for dedicated obstetric emergency service in the region.
Designed specifically to meet the urgent needs of pregnant patients, the OB ER offers around-the-clock care for women experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms such as contractions, abdominal pain, bleeding, elevated blood pressure, decreased fetal movement and other obstetric concerns. The unit features five private exam rooms and is staffed by board-certified OB physicians, experienced nurses and highly trained clinical staff specializing in obstetric emergencies.
“The response from the community has been incredible,” said Jana Gillis, OB ER manager. “In just a few short months, we have cared for hundreds of expectant mothers who needed timely access to specialized care. Our goal is to provide this expert obstetric care during what can be stressful situations for patients and families, and we are proud to be meeting that need in our community.”
The OB ER was developed to provide faster access to specialized obstetric providers in a care environment designed specifically for mothers and babies. This focused approach helps improve the patient experience while ensuring mothers receive prompt attention from clinicians trained in pregnancy-related emergencies.
“Having a dedicated OB emergency room allows us to streamline care for pregnant patients and provide specialized treatment more efficiently,” said John Whiteside, CEO of Merit Health River Oaks. “We are proud to offer this level of women’s healthcare close to home and are encouraged by the positive impact it is already making for families throughout Rankin County and beyond.”
Convenience and patient safety continue to be key advantages of the OB ER. Located in an easily accessible area of the hospital with convenient parking, close patient entry, and 24/7 security, the unit was designed to provide seamless access to care 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. Having both the OB ER and Level III NICU on site ensures mothers and babies have access to comprehensive, specialized care when complications arise.
The continued growth of the OB ER reinforces Merit Health River Oaks’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care for women and families throughout the region.
For more information about the OB emergency room or women’s services at Merit Health River Oaks, visit https://www.merithealthriveroaks.com/ob-emergency-department.
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