“U.S. News & World Report” has named Saint Luke’s East Hospital as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy). This is the highest award a hospital can earn for “U.S. News’” Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

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.

Saint Luke’s East Hospital earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complication rates.

“We are proud of the exceptional care and supportive environment that our women and children’s services team provides to expecting mothers in the Eastern Jackson County community,” said Ingrid Larson, Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Luke’s East Hospital. “We are pleased to receive this recognition for the third year in a row and to be only one in four hospitals to be honored in the state of Missouri. This demonstrates our commitment and dedication to the quality care we provide daily.”

“U.S. News” evaluated hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services and submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis; 680 hospitals, an all-time high, participated in this year’s “U.S. News” survey. Fewer than half – 46% – of all hospitals that offer 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,” said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at “U.S. News.” “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.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and use #BestMaternityHospitals on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Saint Luke’s East Hospital, a part of Saint Luke’s Health System, was founded in 2006. Since the hospital’s opening, Saint Luke’s East has experienced consistent growth each year to ensure it continues to meet the needs of Eastern Jackson County. Saint Luke’s East earned a five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services based on quality measures, including safety, effectiveness, and patient experience. The hospital has been recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” and received The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement. Saint Luke’s East Hospital was also named as one of “U.S. News & World Report’s” Best Hospitals in Maternity in its inaugural list. Follow Saint Luke’s Health System: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn.