Obstetric Emergency Department

Nearly four years after the Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation provided the vital seed funding to establish a dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED), the unit stands as a pillar of safety and excellence for the Merced community. Now fully operational and serving patients around the clock, the OB ED has transformed how expectant mothers receive urgent care in the Central Valley.

When the Foundation first invested the initial "seed money" nearly four years ago, the goal was clear: to eliminate barriers to specialized maternal care. Today, that investment has evolved into a fully staffed, 24/7 unit that ensures every pregnant patient—regardless of their prior medical history or existing relationships with an OB/GYN—receives immediate, expert attention from specialized hospitalists.

“Seeing the vision we funded four years ago come to life and thrive has been incredibly rewarding,” said Kassey Mosher, Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer. “That initial investment was about planting the seeds for a safer, more responsive healthcare environment for mothers and babies. Today, that department is an essential part of our hospital’s fabric, proving exactly why community-driven philanthropy is so vital.”

Unlike a traditional emergency room, the OB ED is uniquely designed to address the specific physiological needs of pregnancy. By providing a dedicated space with board-certified obstetricians and specialized nursing staff, the department has significantly reduced wait times and streamlined the delivery of critical care. Whether a patient is facing minor complications or an urgent maternal health crisis, the OB ED ensures that high-level expertise is available at a moment’s notice.

As the OB ED continues to serve the community, Mercy Medical Center remains committed to evolving its services to meet the growing needs of the region, building upon the strong foundation laid by the Foundation’s early support.