(FEBRUARY 1, 2008) JOURDANTON, TX — South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) is pleased to announce a record breaking month for the hospital's Maternal and Newborn Center. This past January marked the highest record number of deliveries in any single month—30-- for the unit since its opening back in September 7th, 2000.

Melody Gates, Maternal & Newborn Center Director, attributes the rise in deliveries to “our unit's teamwork centered approach which allows us to consistently deliver personalized, quality care with positive outcomes.” Department nurses praised the work of their two dedicated physicians who serve as the backbone of the professional department, Edward Blackmon, Jr., M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Benjamin S. Zertuche, M.D. specializing in Family Medicine.

The newly established Tiny Toes Maternity Club at STRMC has also reported an increasing number of participants in the month of January. Through this club, expectant mothers are offered the opportunity to participate in free childbirth education classes taught by Registered Nurses. They are also privy to a host of complimentary perks such a copy of the popular book, What to Expect When Your Expecting, a lullaby music CD for newborns, a cake for the child's first birthday, and discounts with select local merchants.

To celebrate the hard work of the physicians, nurses, and staff, the hospital hosted a cake and punch social hour for the entire medical center on Thursday, January 31st. The event served as an opportunity to allow all hospital employees to congratulate the performance of their fellow peers whose daily work improves our community. For more information about the Tiny Toes Maternity Club or the STR Maternal & Newborn Center, please call Melody Gates at (830) 769-5257.