ALBEMARLE — A Stanly County hospital has been included by U.S. News & World Report in the publication’s annual “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” list.
Atrium Health Stanly is one of six Atrium Health hospitals in North Carolina that were recognized on the list under the “high performing” classification, which is rated as the highest level of achievement possible.
Located at 301 Yadkin Street in Albemarle, the hospital was also designated by U.S. News & World Report as a “Maternity Care Access Hospital”— an honor designated to facilities in areas that lack a variety of maternal care options for expectant parents.
“We are delighted to have six hospitals on U.S. News & World Report’s list of ‘Best Maternity Hospitals’ and to be included among the best-of-the-best for maternity care,” Meghan Clithero, vice president of the women’s service line at Atrium Health, said in a company press release. “Our outstanding women’s care teams are dedicated to patient safety, innovative practices and health equity. We will continue to strive to provide unparalleled care to all our patients, ensuring that every family has access to the highest quality maternity services in their communities.”
Atrium Health Stanly was joined on the list by Atrium Health Cabarrus (Concord), Atrium Health Pineville (Charlotte), Atrium Health Union (Monroe), Atrium Health Union West (Matthews), and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem).
Rankings for the hospital maternity care list were determined on cesarean section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, as well as other objective measures of quality like severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and racial disparity reporting.
“So proud of our facility! Way to go Atrium Health Stanly!” Marietta Abernathy, vice president and facility executive director for Atrium Health Stanly, wrote in a social media announcement.
Taking over following the promotion of former AHS executive Brian Freeman, Abernathy was promoted on Dec. 1 to her current directorial role after six and a half years at the Albemarle hospital, becoming the first female executive at the location.
In addition to fertility and high-risk pregnancy specialists, Atrium Health women’s care provides maternity services and customized support at each stage of delivery; Atrium Health is part of Charlotte-based Advocate Health, which had 24 hospitals named to the “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” list.
“This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional maternity care,” said Dr. Scott Rissmiller, executive vice president and chief physician executive for Advocate Health. “Our commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care ensures that families receive the highest quality of care during one of the most important times in their lives.”