KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 2009) -- Dobies Healthcare Group recently received a platinum HealthLeaders Media Marketing Award for best branding campaign in the medium hospital (101-499 beds) category. The campaign, entitled "Journey through Parenthood with LMH," was created to introduce the Family Birthing Center (FBC) at Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) to new and soon-to-be mothers in the Lawrence, Kan., community.

"We are thrilled to be recognized for our work with Lawrence Memorial Hospital," said Randee Gannon, director of client service at Dobies Healthcare Group. "We believe that providing an exceptional patient experience is good marketing. This brand started at the bedside and continued through all communications."

"Journey through Parenthood with LMH" consisted of 16 components, including a brochure featuring physicians who deliver babies at LMH, an interactive Web site and online, television, radio and print advertising. Additionally, the campaign incorporated new materials designed to improve FBC operations and enhance the patient experience, such as pre-admission packets distributed at a mother’s first prenatal visit, notepads for patient questions, and business cards to help patients identify FBC staff members.

Entries were judged on four criteria: objectives and strategy, measurement/return on investment, goal alignment, and creativity, message and quality. Winners were recognized at the HealthLeaders Media Marketing Experience event in Chicago on Oct. 14, 2009. Winning campaigns will be featured in HealthLeaders Media’s annual publication Hospital Campaigns That Work.

About Dobies Healthcare Group

Dobies Healthcare Group, a health care marketing agency in Kansas City, has provided corporate communication plans, market research, strategic planning, branding and advisory services to the healthcare industry since 1992.

About LMH Family Birthing Center

The Family Birthing Center (FBC) was part of LMH’s four-phase, multi-million dollar campus improvement project that included a complete room remodel and expansion of its obstetrics department. The FBC features private birthing suites, fetal monitoring systems, an advanced infant security system and a Level II Nursery for specialized care of premature or sick infants. LMH offers a variety of parenting classes as well as prenatal care to expectant mothers, including those experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.