Albion couple in route to hospital grateful for new ED
Just one week after opening as the area’s first free-standing Emergency Department on August 19, the Strong West team delivered a healthy baby girl on the evening of Wednesday, August 26.
Strong West officials say Jessica Ornt and Chris Colucci of Albion intended to make it to a Rochester hospital for the birth of their child but decided to head to Strong West after Jessica’s water broke.
That’s a good thing. Jessica Ornt said 6 lb., 2 oz baby Allison was born at 10:37 p.m., just seven minutes after their arrival at the ED.
“I’m glad that they were open and that they were there,” Jessica said of Strong West’s ED. “I’m glad we’re both healthy and doing well.”
Allison is Jessica’s fourth child and she said her labors are typically quick.
Following the birth, mom and baby were transferred to Strong Hospital.
Strong West ED director Dr. Mike Kamali told the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald that the staff at Strong West weren’t expecting to deliver a baby, but that they were excited to assist with the birth of little Allison.
“The staff that was there was able to handle it,” Dr. Kamali said. “All acted well,” including Jessica, he added. “It’s a testament to mom and baby Allison.”
Dr. Kamali noted that the birth “represents why having an ED at Strong West is so important. People can get emergency care if they need it.”
He explained that the Strong West ED “had what was needed for mom and baby,” such as an IV and ways to keep the newborn warm.
Dr. Kamali reminds residents that although the ED is prepared to handle emergency situations, it is not a birth hospital. If not facing an emergency, women in labor should go to the hospital where their doctor is affiliated.
He adds that the birth was a learning experience for the staff which will help similar emergencies in the future “go even more smoothly.”
