#United States #California #Maternity Care #U.S. News #MemorialCare

MemorialCare Hospitals Named High Performing in Maternity Care

MemorialCare’s Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center have recently been designated as High Performing hospitals for maternity care in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This prestigious recognition marks a significant achievement for MemorialCare, as it reflects their commitment to delivering exceptional and equitable maternal health services. In total, 817 hospitals were evaluated across the United States for this recognition, making it a notable achievement as only about half earned such honors.

"We are honored and grateful to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospitals for maternity care," expressed Marcia Manker, the CEO of Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center. This highlights the dedication of skilled clinicians who prioritize high-quality, compassionate, and equitable care for their patients.

As part of this year’s evaluation, U.S. News introduced a new metric that emphasizes transparency regarding racial and ethnic disparities in maternity care. All three hospitals have collaborated with organizations like the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses to enhance respectful maternal care through evidence-based clinical practice. The team at Miller Children's & Women's is also pioneering recommendations from the AWHONN’s respectful maternal care framework, establishing itself as the first California hospital to undertake a pilot program utilizing the Irth app. This innovative approach aims to refine standards of prenatal and postpartum care influenced by feedback from diverse families, particularly Black and Brown communities.

Dinarte Viveiros, Chief Nursing Officer at Miller Children’s & Women’s, noted a remarkable nearly 10% increase in Black mothers reporting feeling consistently treated with courtesy and respect since implementing these changes. This statistic underscores their commitment to addressing maternal inequity, showcasing the hospital's proactive stance in creating an inclusive atmosphere for all expectant parents.

The U.S. News evaluation has been a cornerstone for parents navigating their maternity options since its inception in 2021. It rates hospitals based on labor and delivery services, taking into account detailed data submissions for a comprehensive analysis. The Best Hospitals for Maternity Care initiative has proven invaluable for expectant parents, allowing them to make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare teams to choose the best care environment to meet their family's needs.

Jennifer Winston, a health data scientist at U.S. News, emphasized the high standards set by the recognized hospitals, stating, "These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News." This affirmation of quality ensures that select hospitals adhere to stringent measures of care, including C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and a focus on reducing racial disparities in care.

MemorialCare, a not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery system, boasts 225 care locations, including leading institutions like Saddleback Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Long Beach Medical Center. It has been repeatedly honored for its comprehensive approach to healthcare, earning accolades such as Nation's Best Health Systems and multiple high-performance recognitions from U.S. News.

As healthcare continues to evolve, MemorialCare is paving the way for enhanced patient experiences, particularly for maternal care, affirming its position as a leader dedicated to serving families with respect and excellence. With this recognition, the organization reiterates its unwavering commitment to both clinical excellence and equitable care for all individuals.

For further information about MemorialCare and its dedicated services, please visit memorialcare.org.