THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WCTV) - Archbold Memorial Hospital opened a new 27,500-square-foot maternity center, tripling the size of its original facility, to better serve families across Thomas County and rural South Georgia.

“Maternal care in rural communities is very important,” said Kellie Odom, director of nursing. “We always want to provide state-of-the-art care.”

The $20 million renovation project replaced the hospital’s original maternity center, built in 1925, and added modern upgrades.

The expanded facility includes five labor and delivery rooms, two operating rooms for emergency C-sections, 11 mother-baby rooms and a new nursery.

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Thomas County and the surrounding areas are considered medically underserved by the state of Georgia, but the new space aims to fill the healthcare gap.

“With all the stress that comes with having a baby, the environment shouldn’t add to it,” Odom said.

Additionally, the director of nursing said education and preparation on what to expect are very important.

“If we’re able to relieve some of that stress and give families the support they need, they’ll have a higher quality experience,” Odom said.

In addition to clinical care, the center also offers community education and support services for new and expecting parents.

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