MIAMI – With Hurricane Matthew approaching, hospitals' administrators warned the public on Thursday that they will only be accepting emergency and trauma patients during the storm. Maternity patients need to plan ahead.
Doctors at major hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties asked pregnant women to check with their physicians and to report to the hospital only if their physician advises them to.
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When authorities issue a hurricane warning, doctors usually recommend that women pregnant with twins or triplets and who are at least 34 weeks into term be admitted to the hospital before the storm.
The same applies to pregnant women with a history of preterm labor or those who are diagnosed with placental abnormalities.
Jackson Health System spokeswoman Jennifer Piedra said pregnant women who meet the criteria need to register at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center's Holtz Children's Hospital's East Tower in the OB Triage Unit.
For more information on preparing for the storm, Piedra said Jackson Health System's maternity patients need to call the Maternity Hurricane Information Hotline at 305-585-2229.
Broward Health's spokeswoman Daniella Aird said Broward maternity patients who qualify will be admitted with one companion. They need to bring bedding such as an air mattress, sleeping bag and pillow, water and food for four days, clothing for four days, toiletries and medication.
For more information, Broward Health maternity patients need to call the information hotline at 954-355-5111.
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