West Orange, NJ, December 6, 2022 – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has recognized four RWJBarnabas Health facilities among the 2022-2023 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, which identifies hospitals that provide high-quality maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies. Clara Maass Medical Center, Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset were among those designated as High Performing in maternity care.

The annual evaluation is designed to assist expectant parents and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. The Best Hospitals for Maternity Care evaluation looks at hospital data relating to only uncomplicated pregnancies – not high-risk pregnancies – and at five different factors: scheduled early deliveries, C-section rates in low-risk women, newborn complications, rate of exclusive breast milk feeding and option for vaginal births after cesarean.

“The distinctions from U.S. News & World Report are reflective of our commitment to excellence in maternity care,” said Suzanne Spernal DNP, APN-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, Vice President of Women’s Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are continually striving to provide comprehensive, equitable care for expectant mothers and families across the system and this national recognition is a testament to our ongoing efforts to further that mission.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 650 hospitals for its 2022-2023 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and fewer than half of all hospitals that participated in the survey received a High Performing designation.

“When expectant parents are considering their options for welcoming a baby to the world, the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in delivering babies for uncomplicated pregnancies,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation with their medical provider, to consider.”

Further illustrating RWJBarnabas Health’s ongoing commitment to women’s health and maternity care, three RWJBarnabas Health facilities were recently among just 259 U.S. hospitals to receive the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care from Money and The Leapfrog Group. The recognitions also come on the heels of the system’s recent distinctions in Healthgrades’ OB/GYN Excellence Awards. RWJBarnabas Health received 26 awards, the highest number of any system in the state, for excellence in comprehensive women’s care.

Additionally, two RWJBarnabas Health facilities were recently among the first in New Jersey selected to participate in the launch of the TeamBirth NJ initiative, an evidence based, national model for better provider and patient communication, which is designed to enhance birthing experiences and improve outcomes for people giving birth and their babies.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

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RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville; Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth; three acute care children’s hospitals; Children’s Specialized Hospital, including a network of outpatient centers; a behavioral health center and the state’s largest behavioral health network; two trauma centers; a satellite emergency department; ambulatory care centers; geriatric centers; comprehensive home care and hospice programs; fitness and wellness centers; retail pharmacy services; an affiliated medical group; multi-site imaging centers; and two accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers – with more than 38,000 employees and 9,000 physicians – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers University, is New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research, and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.