12/06/2022

Wentworth-Douglass Named Among Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

DOVER, N.H. – For the second-consecutive year, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been named among U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The hospital was recognized as ‘High Performing’ in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy), the highest award a hospital can earn. 

The annual evaluation is designed to assist expectant parents and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. Wentworth-Douglass earned a ‘High Performing’ designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complication rates. 

“Wentworth-Douglass has consistently been the Seacoast’s leader in maternity care, and this is an outstanding recognition once again for our Women & Children’s Center,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass. “It’s the incredible commitment of our staff, and the continued support of our community, that makes this sustained success possible.” 

Wentworth-Douglass set a birthing record in 2021, with 1,491 deliveries. The hospital delivered more babies than Exeter Hospital, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and York Hospital combined. 

“From the moment a baby is born and through all stages of their life, we are here to support the entire family,” said Nicole Pendenza, Assistant Vice President of Women and Children's Services. “We have a strong commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care, so it’s very rewarding to see our staff and the Women and Children’s service line honored with this designation.” 

This is the second time U.S. News has published a list of Best Hospitals for Maternity. Of the hospitals who submitted maternity data this year, U.S. News says that less than half earned the top ‘High Performing’ rating. 

“When expectant parents are considering their options for welcoming a baby to the world, the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in delivering babies for uncomplicated pregnancies,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation with their medical provider, to consider.” 

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 and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates, among other measures. 

More information on the rating is available online at: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nh/wentworth-douglass-hospital-6120080/maternity

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a more than 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation.