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LAKE CITY -- Stewart Memorial Community Hospital recently earned the 2017 Women's Choice Award as one of America's Best Hospitals for Obstetrics. This places SMCH among the top 15 percent of hospitals considered the best in which to have a baby. Approximately 400 hospitals nationwide met the award's evidence-based criteria that consider female patient satisfaction data, clinical excellence and feedback from women about what they want from a hospital.
"We are pleased to receive this award," said Jenni Macke, SMCH manager of obstetrics. "Birth is a celebration of life and our staff understands and anticipates the needs of moms-to-be. We partner with them to support their birthing choices and women can trust that our caring hands will deliver their miracles in a healing, family-centered environment."
SMCH is known for its family focus, which encourages family members to participate in the birthing process. As part of this approach, exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are promoted, enhancing the bond between mother and child.
According to the Women's Choice Award organization, award winners offer exceptional obstetric services which ranked above the national average for patient safety. The scoring process is also unique in that it is the only national list that is evidence-based and focuses on female patient satisfaction. Awarded hospitals ranked above the national average for patient recommendations, as indicated by the data reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys. Additional considerations included having a NICU on-site and a low early elective delivery ranking.