VANDLING – Women within the greater Forest City area will have increased access to obstetric and gynecology services beginning in August. Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) is pleased to announce that Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist Thomas O’Brien, M.D. and Certified Nurse Midwife Patricia Konzman will both see patients at the McAndrew Family Health Center located in Vandling.

Patrick McAndrew, D.O., a Family Medicine physician who founded the McAndrew Family Health Center, welcomed Dr. O’Brien and Konzman to his practice, which joined WMCHC earlier this year.

“Women’s health, especially maternity, had been a focus of my practice for many years and a very rewarding aspect of my career,” said Dr. McAndrew.  “For the first several years of my practice, I remained one of the few family practitioners in the area to deliver babies.  I also employed a certified nurse midwife for some time.  I am happy to see the legacy will live on.”

The decision to offer women’s health services at the McAndrew Family Health Center was based upon patient need within the geographical area, according to Frederick Jackson, executive director of WMCHC.

“Women living in our region have limited choices when it comes to receiving comprehensive maternity care,” stated Jackson. “Allowing patients to remain close to home for prenatal visits, labor and delivery as well as postpartum care is an advantage to new mothers and their families.”

By adding an OB/GYN physician and nurse midwife to the staff, the McAndrew Family Health Center will serve as a site for a range of women’s health needs including:  Well-woman and Well-teen care, consultation for gynecological surgery, maternity care and confidential family planning.