Trinity Health expands OB/GYN services for rural patients

OCEANA COUNTY, MI – Trinity Health Michigan's Northern Network has expanded to include obstetrics and gynecology services for rural patients in Shelby.

As of Wednesday Nov. 13, Trinity Health's primary care office in Oceana County at 71 Bevier St. in Shelby offers routine and high-risk prenatal care, gynecologic issues care, annual exams, breast health, reproductive health and minor procedures.

Trinity Health Shelby Hospital at 72 S State St. will handle some minor procedures as well.

"We're committed to expanding access to care for all patient populations, not just those in our larger communities," John Foss, senior vice president of operations for Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven, said in a statement.

"Our lakeshore hospitals are the foundation of a vast network that connects our patients with highly specialized providers and care for whatever they need. By making these services and providers available to them, we hope to mitigate access barriers."

Nearly 20% of Michigan's population lives in rural areas, according to the Michigan Center for Rural Health. Shelby, a village in Oceana County, had a population of less than 2,000 as of the 2020 Census. The village is about 34 miles, or a half-hour drive away from Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital.

"Our northern patients need to travel for baby delivery, so we want to ensure pre- and post-natal care are accessible within their community," Foss said. "The excellent OB/GYN providers in Muskegon are some of the same who also provide care in Shelby and surrounding areas."

The addition of OB/GYN services follows the addition of a sleep medicine program to the Shelby clinic as well.

"We're proud to integrate Trinity Health within this community further and accommodate patients with general and specialized needs," said Connie Gnegy, director of quality and utilization at Trinity Health Medical Group.

Trinity Health Northern Network covers Oceana and Mason counties and the Whitehall area.

The network includes Trinity Health Shelby Hospital and primary care centers in Shelby, Hart, Whitehall and Ludington.

There also are several urgent care centers, including in Ludington and Whitehall. Both locations utilize the Save My Spot feature where patients can schedule appointments at a convenient time, especially during cold and flu season.

" daily newsletter.