Baptist Hospital Earns National Recognition for Lowering C-Section Rates in 2023

8/13/2024

Baptist Hospital achieved the federal Healthy People 2030 Maternal and Child Health goal of reducing Cesarean section (C-section) rates at or below 23.6 percent in 2023 for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies. The announcement was made by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health.

This is the third time Baptist has earned this national recognition. “This is an important reflection of the team's exceptional efforts to provide evidence-based maternal and infant health care practices,” said Joyce Nichols, APRN, FNP-BC, CWON, vice president & chief nursing officer, Baptist Health Care. “It speaks to our ongoing commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes." 

“Choosing a hospital for birth is a big decision for expectant parents,” said Tracey Thomas-Doyle, M.D, chief of OBGYN and pediatrics Baptist Hospital. “This award reflects the dedication of our team to mothers and their newborns. More importantly, it highlights the trust that parents place in the Baptist team to bring their newborns safely into the world.”

According to the Florida Department of Health, reducing the occurrence of unnecessary C-sections lowers the rate of prematurity and maternal death and creates better health outcomes for mothers.

To learn more or to request an appointment, please visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/WomensHealth or call 448.227.6870.