NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and North Central Bronx are stepping up their maternal health programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Veronica Ades, these hospitals are making significant changes to support new mothers and their babies.
Dr. Ades, who has over 20 years of experience, was appointed in April 2025. She aims to improve care quality, safety, and overall patient experience. One exciting change is the introduction of shared mother-baby appointments. This innovation helps new mothers manage their postpartum care more easily, especially those dealing with work, transportation, or child care challenges. Since implementing these shared appointments, attendance for postpartum visits has soared from 54% to 78%. Surprisingly, in-person visits just a week after childbirth have an impressive 89% attendance rate compared to virtual appointments.
Furthermore, the OB/GYN department is focusing on trauma-informed care. This approach ensures that staff are trained to recognize and respond to the specific needs of new mothers who may have experienced trauma. The hospital has also hired more reproductive psychologists to support women during and after pregnancy. This expansion of mental health care aims to ensure safe access to psychiatric resources and customized treatments for mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.
Dr. Ades expressed her commitment to the Bronx community, sharing, “I love serving the patients of the Bronx and am proud to provide services in two languages.” Her dedication reflects a broader trend in healthcare; studies show that culturally competent care leads to better patient outcomes. According to a 2021 report from the American Hospital Association, organizations that actively promote diversity in care see improved patient satisfaction and engagement rates.
In a time when maternal mental health is increasingly in the spotlight, Dr. Ades’ initiatives are timely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 1 in 5 women experience mental health conditions during or after pregnancy. Providing direct access to mental health professionals in OB/GYN settings can make a significant difference in treatment and patient outcomes. It’s more than just about care; it’s about understanding the complete picture of maternal health.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the efforts at NYC Health + Hospitals may serve as a model for others. Keeping patient needs at the center of care, while regularly seeking improvements, seems like a promising path forward for maternal health services.
For more information, visit the NYC Health + Hospitals site [here](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/jacobi).
