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News / Delivering Care Where It’s Needed Most: A Look Inside Rural Obstetrics at Scotland County Hospital

Delivering Care Where It’s Needed Most: A Look Inside Rural Obstetrics at Scotland County Hospital

Published Sep 10, 2025

Meet Dr. Kelsey Davis-Humes 

Dr. Kelsey Davis-Humes is a passionate advocate for rural health care, especially in the fields of women’s health, obstetrics and pediatrics. A graduate of A.T. Still University (2016) and SIU Family Medicine Residency in Quincy, Ill. (2019), Dr. Davis-Humes currently serves as medical director for Memphis Medical Services and Wyaconda Medical Services, and as chief of staff at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Mo. 

Her practice spans the full spectrum of family medicine — from newborns to geriatrics. She delivers babies, serves as a hospitalist on weekends and provides care in nursing homes. Her commitment to community health is deeply rooted in hands-on, compassionate care. 

Inside the Labor & Delivery Unit at Scotland County Hospital

Scotland County Hospital’s Labor & Delivery Unit is a vital resource for families in the region. The unit includes: 

  • 3 labor and delivery beds 
  • 2 triage/recovery rooms 
  • A dedicated C-section suite 

Staffing includes: 

  • 7 OB nurses and 4 OB 2 nurses (a mix of R.N.s and LPNs) 
  • A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) 
  • 2 Family Practice OBs (FP-OBs) 
  • 1 OB-GYN 

OB R.N.s focus on maternal care during labor, while OB 2 nurses specialize in newborn care post-delivery. This dual-role staffing model helps maintain flexibility and stability in a rural setting. 

Adapting Rural Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Patients

Providing obstetric care in a rural setting requires creativity and collaboration. At Scotland County Hospital: 

  • OB nurses often assist in the med-surg and emergency departments when not attending deliveries. 
  • Staff members cross-train across departments to maintain readiness. 
  • The University of Missouri’s simulation bus recently visited, offering hands-on training in obstetrical emergencies and newborn resuscitation. 

These efforts ensure that the team remains sharp and prepared, even with limited resources. 

Improving Outcomes Through Collaboration and Innovation

Since joining the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MO PQC), the hospital has made significant strides, including: 

  • enhanced training in postpartum hemorrhage, hypertension and newborn care using the “Eat, Sleep, Console” model 
  • participation in statewide webinars, data collection and policy updates 
  • implementation of the “Ask Me 5” initiative  
  • participation in the MO Optimizing Postpartum Care Task Force 

The hospital also works closely with independent lay midwives serving the Amish and Mennonite communities. This partnership fosters trust and ensures high-risk patients receive timely, respectful care. Midwives often accompany patients during hospital deliveries in a supportive role. 

To address transportation barriers, the hospital secured a grant to provide iPads for telehealth visits, blood pressure monitoring and patient education. 

Transferring Patients to Higher-Level Care

When patients require specialized care, Scotland County Hospital coordinates transfers to University of Missouri Health Care or the University of Iowa Health Care. 

These partnerships ensure seamless transitions, whether prenatally or during delivery. The hospital adheres to Missouri’s criteria for Level I nurseries, transferring cases that exceed local capabilities while maintaining strong communication with receiving teams. 

Programs Supporting Pregnant and Postpartum Patients

Scotland County Hospital offers: 

  • extended prenatal visits with a WHNP to guide patients through their pregnancy journey 
  • an OB nurse coordinator who manages labs, ultrasounds, referrals and communication for high-risk cases 
  • quarterly prenatal classes open to all community members 

These resources empower patients with knowledge and support throughout their pregnancy. 

A Commitment to Rural Obstetrics

Dr. Davis-Humes is proud of the collaborative effort that has kept the OB unit open at Scotland County Hospital. In a state with growing maternity deserts, this achievement is no small feat. 

With nearly 100 deliveries annually and a rising number of patients choosing to deliver locally, the hospital is proving that rural obstetric care can thrive. Cross-training staff and building a versatile provider team have been key to sustaining this essential service. 

Final Thoughts

Scotland County Hospital is more than a health care facility — it’s a lifeline for families in northeast Missouri. Through innovation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Davis-Humes and her colleagues are ensuring that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve, close to home. 

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