19 in N.J. named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

U.S. News & World Report, the authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has recognized 19 health facilities in New Jersey among the 2023-2024 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, which identifies hospitals that provide high-quality maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies.

Best Hospitals for Maternity Care is an annual evaluation designed to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care that best meets their family’s needs.

“The distinctions from U.S. News & World Report underscore our dedication to excellence in maternity care across the system,” Suzanne Spernal, senior vice president of women’s services, RWJBarnabas Health, said. “We are committed to delivering inclusive and high-quality care for expectant mothers and families, and this national recognition validates our continuous efforts to advance that mission.”

U.S. News evaluated hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services and submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis of 680 hospitals, and fewer than half that provide maternity care and participated in the survey received a “High Performing” designation.

“Hospitals that receive a ‘High Performing’ designation as part of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care meet a high standard in caring for parents with uncomplicated pregnancies,” Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News, said. “These hospitals have C-section rates that are 26% lower, and newborn complication rates that are 37% lower than unrecognized hospitals. Parents-to-be can research their local hospitals’ performance metrics for free at health.usnews.com to help them choose where to have their baby.”

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

The following were named as “High Performing” facilities in New Jersey:

  • Capital Health Medical Center, Hopewell
  • Cooper University Health Care, Camden
  • Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
  • Englewood Hospital
  • Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Jefferson Health-Stratford, Cherry Hill and Washington Township
  • Monmouth Medical Center-Long Branch
  • Morristown Medical Center
  • Ocean University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Overlook Medical Center
  • Palisades Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Raritan Bay and Old Bridge Medical Centers at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Riverview Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
  • Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
  • Southern Ocean Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Virtua Mount Holly Hospital
  • Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
  • Virtua Voorhees Hospital