Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center is the first in the nation to earn The Joint Commission's Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care, which recognizes exceptional outcomes for mothers and infants.
The accrediting body announced the new certification and began accepting pre-applications in October in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In a Jan. 31 news release, The Joint Commission cited three primary reasons Hackensack University Medical Center received the certification: improved efficiencies and outcomes, reduced unwanted variations in care and patient experience improvements, and aligned communication and collaboration among all disciplines.
On Jan. 23, the 781-bed hospital underwent an onsite review during which The Joint Commission evaluated compliance with certification standards and conducted interviews.
"I am proud of our world-class team for exceeding standards when it comes to providing care for mothers and families. We will continue to lead the nation in excellence and are committed to continuing to improve maternal health outcomes for all," Mark Sparta, president and chief hospital executive of the hospital, said in the release. He is also president of Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health's North region.
There were no maternal deaths at the health system's flagship hospital in 2022, and the C-section rate continues to fall across the system, according to the release.