Aviano’s last delivery: 31 MDG transitions in-patient care

AVIANO, ITALY

05.16.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Austin Harvill  

31st Fighter Wing

Two-thousand, five-hundred and forty. That’s the total number of babies born at the 31st Medical Group clinic since delivery services opened in 2006.

Or at least that was the last count until Alessia and Bayli both joined the Air Force family on April 28, 2018, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. As the last two babies born, their arrival signals the end of labor and delivery services on base. However, their births also constitute a milestone in a unique, and much discussed, partnership with the base’s Italian hosts.

“With our last babies born, the next step is closing down all obstetrical services as well as surgical services concerning gynecology by the end of summer,” said Maj. Joy Wheat, 31st MDG Obstetrician and Gynecologist Services medical director. “We will still have an OB/GYN nurse on staff for consultation, but all of our soon-to-be mothers know they will deliver off-base.”

This transition is nothing new. In the past year, Wheat and members from across the 31st MDG have hosted multiple town halls and met with patients, spouses, and other Team Aviano members to discuss the changes. Still, some parents and soon-to-be parents worry about the potential challenges posed when delivering in a foreign country. However, Wheat believes the two downtown Pordenone hospitals’ care should put their worries to rest.

“The treatment, services and overall care offered in Pordenone are equal to what we’ve provided here, and they have a few services not offered on-base.” explained Wheat. “For instance, any urgent, specialized or even some high-risk treatments for pregnant patients have always been handled at the off-base facilities.”

In addition, many expecting parents worry about the language barrier. Luckily, Capt. Megan Howell, 31st MDG Tricare Operations and Patient Administration flight commander, said the hospitals are ready to take on that challenge with their team.

“Any expecting mother will have an English-speaking doctor and nurse as a part of their primary care team,” said Howell. “The hospitals have created new positions in their staffing which require English as a spoken language to fill. The doctors in Pordenone are committed to the comfort of our mothers, so they have taken on that responsibility and continue to listen and adapt to the patient’s concerns.”

Candis Dixon-Connor, Bayli’s mother, is happy she was able to deliver with the staff at Aviano, but she also knows she will have what she needs during Bayli’s first years of life.

“I went for a briefing at the Pordenone Hospital to learn about what would happen if I had to transfer there due to complications before or during labor,” said Dixon-Connor. “Of course I’m happy my baby came without issue, but I felt comfortable about the care offered if something did happen after reviewing the facility.”

Alessia’s mother, Elisa Lerma, agreed, and she said if there was any emergency with her child at all, she would feel safe at the Pordenone Hospital.

“The [31st MDG] and off-base facilities are doing a great job bridging the gaps and explaining the differences between what we’re used to and what Pordenone offers,” said Elisa. “I trust the facilities downtown to take care of my daughter and me in an emergency.”

Wheat knows all the changes mean a lot of quality care for her office’s patients, but the turnover is certainly bittersweet.

“Working with pregnant patients is always a joyous occasion, but I wouldn’t say losing those opportunities is unfortunate,” said Wheat. “Our patients will continue receiving the best care possible, and I believe my team and the teams of doctors at both Pordenone facilities agree that is what we want more than anything else.”

For more information on the clinic transition, go to http://www.aviano.af.mil/Units/31st-Medical-Group/Clinic-Transition/.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2018
• Date Posted: 05.16.2018 08:07
• Story ID: 277187
• Location: AVIANO, IT