Three Ascension Florida Hospitals Honored as Top Maternity Care Facilities in the U.S.

Ascension Florida Hospitals Achieve Recognition for Excellence in Maternity Care

In a notable achievement, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, and Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside have been recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals, assigned the prestigious five-ribbon level. This accolade acknowledges the exceptional quality of care provided to mothers, newborns, and families, underscoring the commitment of these facilities to maternal health.

The evaluation for this distinction is based on comprehensive data sources, including nationwide surveys conducted among hospital administrators and maternity healthcare professionals, as well as medical performance indicators relevant to maternity care. Patient satisfaction surveys also form a crucial component of the assessment, ensuring that facilities meet high standards across multiple domains of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Syed Jafri, the Chief Clinical Officer of Ascension Florida, highlighted the significance of this recognition, stating that it reflects the dedicated efforts of healthcare associates to deliver high-quality care to mothers and newborns. He emphasized that the commitment of Ascension Florida extends beyond hospital walls, seeking to empower families to achieve a strong and healthy start in their parenting journey.

Ascension Florida adopts a holistic approach to maternal healthcare, recognizing that the well-being of mothers and infants entails more than clinical excellence. The organization implements various educational initiatives and provides essential resources to tackle broader social challenges that impact maternal and infant health. The maternity hospitals engage in community support programs designed to address issues such as healthcare accessibility, financial resources, and transportation.

Specific initiatives illustrate the strides Ascension Florida is making in enhancing care for mothers and their children. Notably, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola serves as the primary provider for 75% of all births in Pensacola, boasting the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the region. This facility, in partnership with the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, offers advanced care for preterm and critically ill infants, ensuring high-risk patients receive the specialized support they require.

Furthermore, the Women’s Care Center team at Sacred Heart Pensacola actively addresses barriers to maternal healthcare, collaborating with rideshare services for transportation while also providing essential supplies such as pack-n-plays and nutrition education bags for new mothers. The hospital also champions a postpartum wristband initiative that highlights mothers’ medical histories during emergency situations, enhancing the continuum of care.

Programs at both Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and St. Vincent’s hospitals showcase the facilities’ commitment to breastfeeding support through their Baby-Friendly designation. This designation is indicative of the hospitals’ dedication to providing superior breastfeeding education and support for new mothers.

In addition to the Newsweek accolade, Ascension Florida hospitals have garnered various other honors over the past year, including recognition from U.S. News & World Report as High Performing hospitals for their maternity care services. The Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has also been designated a Maternity Care Access Hospital, acknowledging its pivotal role in serving underserved communities prone to maternity care shortages.

The impact of these facilities on maternal and infant health cannot be overstated, with programs such as St. Vincent’s Brighter Beginnings providing educational resources and essential supplies to at-risk mothers, reinforcing the commitment to improving maternal health outcomes.

To learn more about the maternity care services provided by Ascension Florida, visit PLACEHOLDERb382edfd35149c58 for Sacred Heart facilities, and PLACEHOLDERc2e5fc9fda5c74b7 for St. Vincent’s maternity care information. This recognition is a pivotal reminder of the enduring commitment to delivering quality maternal health services and improving the lives of families across Florida.