Since 1958, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has been committed to providing
the highest quality care to all of our patients. Our Hospitalist and Laborist
Programs allow us to provide consistent care 24 hours, every day to patients
who are admitted to the hospital through our Emergency Department.
What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in caring for patients while
they are in the hospital. Our board-certified hospitalists make sure patients
get the care they need during their hospital stay. A hospitalist is available
to talk with you and your family about your treatment, and acts as your
primary doctor while you are in the hospital. A hospitalist may also be
in contact with your primary care physician if you have one.
When you may be assigned to a hospitalist
We may assign you to a hospitalist if you do not have a primary care physician,
or you are from outside the local area and do not have access to your
primary care physician. You may also need a hospitalist if your local
primary care physician is unable to see you while you are in the hospital.
Benefits of hospitalist care
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Personalized, family-centered care. Since hospitalists only work in the hospital and are available around
the clock, they provide you with personalized attention and can spend
time talking to your family.
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Better communication. The hospitalist becomes the main point of contact so that you, your family,
a primary care physician (if you have one) and specialists can all speak
with the same person about your condition and treatments.
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Continuity. When you come through the ER and are admitted to the hospital, our hospitalist
team can quickly coordinate your care. This coordination continues during
your entire hospital stay.
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High quality. Hospitalists can order tests and consult with other specialists about your
care. In case of an emergency while you are in the hospital, your hospitalist
is nearby. Hospitalists know every specialist and department in the hospital
and can get you the treatment you need right away.
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Shorter hospital stay. Since your hospitalist is coordinating your care, there is often less wait
time for tests, results, and consultations. The hospitalist makes sure
that each step in your care is done in a timely manner.
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Faster discharge. Before patients can be released from the hospital, they need to be discharged.
Sometimes they have to wait until their physician or surgeon finishes
with other cases. Hospitalists can give discharge approval more quickly.
Contacting a hospitalist
If you have been assigned a hospitalist and have questions during your
stay, please ask your nurse to contact the hospitalist who is caring for you.
What is a laborist?
A laborist is a doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant women and
their newborns while they are in the hospital. Our laborists are board-certified
obstetricians (OB/GYNs) to ensure women and babies receive the highest
level of safety and care during delivery and their hospital stay. We have
one of the busiest maternity units in the San Fernando Valley region and
have been designated as a "Baby-Friendly Hospital" through Baby-Friendly USA, a global program sponsored by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
When you may be assigned to a laborist
We will assign you to a laborist if you do not have an obstetrician (OB/GYN),
have not had prenatal care, or you are from outside the local area and
do not have access to your obstetrician. You may also need a laborist
if your local obstetrician is unable to arrive in time for your delivery.
Benefits of laborist care
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Personalized, family-centered care. Since laborists only work in our Maternity Services unit and are available
around the clock, they can devote their full attention to you and your
baby. They can quickly evaluate the progress of your labor and provide
a safe delivery.
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Better communication. The laborist is your main contact so that you, your family, and obstetrician
(if you have one) can all speak with the same person about your health
and delivery. They will answer your family’s questions and keep
them up-to-date.
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Continuity. When you come through the ER and are admitted to the hospital, the laborist
is responsible for your care from the time your baby is delivered until
your discharge. If you have a local OB/GYN, the laborist provides excellent
care before delivery, and then seamlessly turns over your care when your
OB/GYN arrives.
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High quality. Laborists are fully-trained and well-rested, which enhances safety and
leads to better outcomes for mother and baby, according to the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In case of an emergency, your
laborist is nearby and can provide treatment right away.
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Faster discharge. Before patients can be released from the hospital, they need to be discharged.
Sometimes they have to wait until their obstetrician finishes with other
cases. Hospitalists can give discharge approval for you and your baby
more quickly.