WellSpan hospitals recognized by US News & World Report – Central Penn Business Journal

U.S. News & World Report has named three WellSpan Health hospitals to be among the nation’s best for offering quality maternity care. 

WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, and WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital were named for their excellence. For the Chambersburg and Ephrata hospitals, it is the second straight year they have earned the distinction. 

“We are incredibly proud of our teams’ relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to caring for pregnant and new moms in our care,” Kimberly Bahata, vice president of the women and children service line and chief nursing officer of WellSpan Medical Group, said in a statement. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of the community members we serve through high-quality care and improved patient outcomes.” 

Accolades for these WellSpan hospitals for maternity care excellence are the latest in a succession of prestigious acknowledgement for WellSpan facilities. The nine-hospital system has also earned the American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize, recognition by Healthgrades as Among America’s Best Hospitals and recognition from U.S. News & World Report for “High Performing” outcomes in clinical areas. 

U.S. News & World Report assessed 817 hospitals eligible for potential recognition. Hospital rankings were based on composite scores for maternity care utilizing seven measures: cesarean section delivery rates, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, routine vaginal birth after C-section delivery rates, commitment to exclusive breast milk feeding, episiotomy rates, birthing-friendly practice and reporting on racial ethnic disparities. Measures were collected through a national survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report or from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Maternal health services offered by WellSpan include comprehensive prenatal and delivery services for mothers and babies, including expert midwife and doula care. Specialty maternal health programs, such as a program focused on a serious condition called preeclampsia, are contributing to the system’s quest for quality care.