#United States #Maternity Care #U.S. News #MemorialCare #Fountain Valley, California

MemorialCare Hospitals Recognized for Exceptional Maternity Care

In a momentous announcement, MemorialCare's Orange Coast Medical Center, Saddleback Medical Center, and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital have been honored as High Performing Hospitals for Maternity Care for the year 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious acknowledgment reflects their unwavering commitment to providing outstanding maternity services, and it marks a notable milestone for these healthcare institutions, particularly for Orange Coast Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, which have received this recognition for five consecutive years. Similarly, Saddleback Medical Center has claimed this honor four times, showcasing its consistent excellence in maternity healthcare.

Since 2021, U.S. News has been rating hospitals' maternity care to assist expecting parents in making informed decisions regarding childbirth locations. The latest assessment scrutinized nearly 900 hospitals nationwide using stringent quality metrics. These include evaluating C-section rates for low-risk pregnancies, unexpected severe complications in newborns, breastfeeding rates, and practices that promote nurturing birthing environments.

Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., a health data scientist at U.S. News, elucidated, "Hospitals designated as U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition signifies their adherence to critical patient safety benchmarks when compared to other hospitals. Expectant parents can feel assured that these hospitals practice the highest standards of maternity care."

MemorialCare's approach to maternity care revolves around safety, equity, and innovation. Their hospitals continually outperform national benchmarks for maternal and newborn health, ensuring that families across Southern California receive compassionate and culturally sensitive care grounded in evidence-based practices.

Dr. Eugene Kim, Chief Medical Officer at MemorialCare, emphasized their robust reputation across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He noted that the Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center provide compassionate and high-quality care that includes OB emergency departments, advanced programs for high-risk pregnancies, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and remarkable amenities. In Los Angeles County, the full-service women’s and children’s hospital stands out for its maternal-fetal transport options, pediatric specialties, and focus on birth equity. Overall, their commitment extends to delivering comprehensive care that consistently meets the highest standards.

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital notably managed to lower its NTSV (Nulliparous Term Singleton Vertex) C-section rate to 21.5% while simultaneously improving exclusive breastfeeding rates. This underscores their dedication to applying evidence-based practices that foster healthier outcomes for mothers and newborns alike.

Expressing pride in the recognition, Dr. Graham Tse, Chief Medical Officer at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, stated, "Our exceptional strength lies in the seamless integration of advanced neonatal services with thorough maternity care, assuring expectant mothers that specialized care for both mother and baby is accessible under one roof."

Furthermore, MemorialCare is at the forefront of promoting maternal health equity through collaborations with organizations such as the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). By implementing evidence-based guidelines and practicing respectful maternal care, they demonstrate a robust commitment to equity and innovation, ensuring that all families receive compassionate, culturally responsive, and superior maternity care.

The esteemed High Performing designation solidifies the exceptional care offered by MemorialCare’s Orange Coast Medical Center, Saddleback Medical Center, and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital to expectant parents throughout Southern California. This recognition not only reflects their capabilities but also their dedication to raising the standards in maternity care.

About MemorialCare

MemorialCare is a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system that encompasses over 200 care locations, including leading hospitals such as Saddleback Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, Long Beach Medical Center, and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. They operate under several sectors, including MemorialCare Medical Group, MemorialCare Independent Physicians, and relevance-focused services like MemorialCare Select Health Plan. Additionally, since 2020, their 'Get Care Now' initiative has been providing virtual care for urgent health needs across California. MemorialCare's network also includes specialized institutes such as the MemorialCare Orthopedic Spine Institute and MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, emphasizing their comprehensive care approach. Recognized nationally for excellence, their hospitals often rank among the top facilities in various clinical categories by Healthgrades and U.S. News.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report serves as the global authority on journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders, and policymakers. They provide unbiased rankings, independent reporting, and insights on numerous sectors including education, health, and finance, making them a trusted source for informed decision-making among millions of people across the globe.