Why it matters: U.S. News & World Report named 26 Intermountain Health hospitals high performing for maternity care, more than any other health system in the country.
The big picture: The recognition reflects years of focused improvement in maternal and newborn safety, with 26 of 28 participating hospitals earning high-performing status.
What they’re saying: “This award is proof that we are helping people live the healthiest lives, have the healthiest pregnancies that they can,” says Dr. Sean Esplin, senior medical director of women’s health at Intermountain Health.
How it works: Intermountain uses a network approach to share best practices across all hospitals.
- “When you learn one lesson in one hospital, you can teach every hospital how to be better without having thirty patients have to experience a problem,” Esplin explains.
Between the lines: The rankings measure more than clinical outcomes. They also evaluate whether hospitals provide services patients value, like breastfeeding support and baby-friendly practices.
What’s next: Several recognized hospitals are in rural areas, demonstrating Intermountain’s commitment to ensuring families in smaller communities receive the same high-quality maternity care.
The bottom line: Utah hospitals continue to set a national standard for maternity care through measurable quality improvement and patient-centered practices.