PVHMC Named One of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals in the Nation for Second Year in a Row

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) has been named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals in the nation by Newsweek and Statista for the second consecutive year. The ranking recognizes the top maternity hospitals across the nation, spotlighting institutions that excel in providing exceptional care throughout the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods.

The Newsweek and Statista ranking is based on a nationwide online survey of hospital managers and medical professionals, as well as publicly available data from hospital surveys addressing patient experience and hospital quality metrics from several sources with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care, according to Newsweek.

“This prestigious recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing mothers with high quality, safe care at every prenatal and postpartum stage,” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO at PVHMC. “With more than 5,000 deliveries in 2024, mothers and newborns in our community can rest assured that they are in trusted, experienced and compassionate hands.”

Newsweek shares that “with more than one-third of U.S. counties now classified as maternity care deserts, it's more important than ever for expectant parents to locate hospitals that provide not only exceptional care for delivery but prenatal and postpartum support as well.”

The California Hospital Association estimates that more than 50 hospitals have closed their obstetric units in California. PVHMC’s maternity unit has remained steadfast, expanding services for high-risk patients, and has earned many accolades for its patient safety and meeting quality metrics in labor and delivery.

PVHMC’s cesarean (C-section) reduction program and quality initiatives identify patients at high-risk for complications and reduces cesarean births among low-risk, first-time mothers. The reduction in primary C-section births leads to less complications and better outcomes. PVHMC also works with neighboring health centers to monitor pre-natal care for women who plan to give birth at the hospital. The hospital has a maternal-fetal transport program with other facilities to transfer women who experience pregnancy complications to PVHMC. The high-risk maternal fetal transport team works with referring facilities, as far as the cities of Ridgecrest and Bishop, to develop a plan of care for each patient who needs a higher level of care.

In the past year, PVHMC earned a ‘High Performing’ rating as a Best Hospitals for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report, as well as recognition as one of 26 hospitals in the nation for providing excellent patient outcomes to black mothers. In addition, it has been recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, earned Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care from The Joint Commission, and recently received redesignation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA.

To learn more about PVHMC maternal care, visit: www.pvhmc.org/centers-of-excellence/women-childrens-center/maternity-services.