Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital makes Newsweek list of top maternity centers

The Family Additions Maternity Center at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital made Newsweek’s list of Best Maternity Hospitals 2021.

Excela Health is one of 217 hospitals across 36 states on the annual list compiled by the news magazine in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that reports on the safety and quality performance of U.S. health care facilities.

To be considered for the list, hospitals must demonstrate adherence to various standards for excellence in maternity care, including low rates of C-section, episiotomy and early elective deliveries, along with following protocols to protect mothers and babies.

Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler County is the only other Western Pennsylvania facility featured on this year’s list.

“We are very honored to receive this recognition for the second consecutive year,” said John Sphon, CEO of Excela Health. “As with all patients served by our health system, we place the health and safety of mothers and babies in the forefront of all we do.

“That is only possible because of the outstanding team of physicians, nurses and support staff who share in creating that quality maternal-child experience,” he said.

“We aren’t doing the things we do to receive awards. That’s just the icing on the cake of what we provide,” said Wendy Reynolds, clinical director of the Family Additions Maternity Center. “We take quality very seriously in what we provide for our moms and babies.”

“I am so proud of our department for always looking for ways to improve outcomes and reach meaningful quality metrics that improve the lives of our patients,” Excela Health obstetrician Randi Turkewitz said. “Expectant mothers and their families can be assured that they are in expert hands throughout their pregnancy and beyond, as our clinicians provide the most up-to-date evidence-based care.”

The Family Additions Maternity Center welcomes about 1,250 newborns annually, Excela said.

The center comprises 10 private labor-delivery-recovery suites, as well as a Special Care Level II Intensive Care Nursery.

The center also is recognized within the state of Pennsylvania among another select group of birthing centers for achieving other quality metrics related to newborn inoculation, breastfeeding and safe sleep, Excela said.

Newsweek’s complete list, along with criteria for inclusion, can be viewed at newsweek.com.