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Phelps Memorial Hospital Center Awarded Certificate of Excellence by New York State Department of Health for Prevention of Perinatal Tranmission of Hepatitis B

(July 26, 2012) The nursery at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center was recently recognized by the New York State Department of Health for its efforts in preventing transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mothers to infants.

Following a rigorous medical record review by the state, the nursery was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for 100% compliance with requirements under the public health law that mandates testing, reporting and recording of the hepatitis B status of all pregnant women. The designation stands for three years.

“Being at 100% compliance recognizes the excellence and diligence of our neo-natal nurses,” said Barbara Bruno, Nursing Director of Maternal Child Health at Phelps. “Their efforts to meet the state requirement help ensure that all newborns receive the appropriate HBV vaccine.” The Centers for Disease Control states that universal vaccination provides a safety net for infants that might be born to a hepatitis B-positive mother not previously identified.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluid or blood. If untreated, newborns can suffer liver infection or contract hepatic cancer or cancer of the liver. Infants receiving the birth dose have a higher rate of completing the series of three injections, with two additional injections following at two-month intervals.