Women’s health has always been a top priority for WakeMed. This commitment to area women is most recently reflected in two national recognitions, specifically highlighting the quality of care we provide to birthing mothers and women over age 65.
Raleigh Campus Ranks Among Leading Hospitals for Low C-Section Rate
When it comes to avoiding unnecessary C-sections, WakeMed Raleigh Campus is one of the leading hospitals in the nation, according to Consumer Reports, a long-time, trusted resource for product and service research, evaluation and rankings.
The recent study looked at C-section rates among mothers anticipating a low-risk delivery at more than 1,500 hospitals across 22 states. Of these hospitals, Raleigh Campus ranked tenth. Each hospital reported at least 5,000 low-risk deliveries over a two-year period between 2009 and 2012. The rankings took into account C-section rates for all mothers (not only first-time mothers) anticipating a low-risk delivery (full-term, no multiples and baby positioned head down). They did not account for factors that may increase the risk for a C-section, such as heart problems, pregnancy-related high blood pressure or chronic diseases. The report found that only 11.6 percent of low-risk deliveries at WakeMed were delivered via C-section. The national benchmark is 12.6.
According to Bonnie Gustavison, director of Women’s & Children’s Services on the WakeMed Raleigh Campus, a C-section is major surgery and proves to be riskier for patients as well as more costly. After a C-section, the newborn has more difficulty transitioning to life outside the womb, and the mother endures a more difficult recovery in addition to an extended hospital stay. Gustavison added that the doctors and nursing staff on the Raleigh Campus are committed to supporting low-risk mothers in active labor, ensuring that the care and treatment of the mother during labor (i.e. movements and positioning) are conducive to a natural birth.
“The health and well-being of our birthing mothers and newborns is, and always has been, our top priority. To receive this ranking from Consumer Reports is a testimony to our incredible doctors and nursing staff,” commented Dr. Seth Brody, medical director of Obstetrical Quality on the WakeMed Raleigh Campus. “Their dedication to the highest quality of patient care and safety allows us to facilitate so many successful births without C-section surgery. We couldn’t be happier with the work our team is doing to deliver healthy, happy babies.”
Cary Hospital Excels in Providing Superior Women’s Health Services
Across town, WakeMed Cary Hospital was one of four North Carolina hospitals – and the only Triangle-area hospital – to receive a Healthgrades 2014 Women’s Health Excellence Award™. Healthgrades is a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Their Women’s Health award recognizes top-performing hospitals that provide care to women over age 65 for common conditions and procedures treated in the hospital. The 15 conditions and procedures include heart attack, heart failure, joint replacement and stroke, among others.
Each year, Healthgrades evaluates and reports on the quality of hospital services provided to women across the country in three categories: gynecologic surgery, maternity care and women’s health. This year, 176 hospitals received recognition in the women’s health category, which is based on Medicare data from 2010 through 2012.
“We are proud to have received this prestigious recognition from Healthgrades and feel it is a true testament to the dedication our doctors, nurses and specialists have always shown to the women in our community,” commented Gail Sturtevant, RN, executive director of nursing for Cary Hospital. “At Cary Hospital, we will continue to strive to be a resource for area women of all ages who need various treatments and hospital-related care.”
Learn More About Women’s Health at WakeMed
For more information about WakeMed’s women’s health services, including pregnancy, childbirth and other services specific to the women in our community, visit our website.
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