NEW: Women & Infants + Kent Hospital Earn 5-Star Rating

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

GoLocalProv Health Team

Women & Infants and Kent Hospitals have been granted a 5-star rating in Maternity Care for 2011, according to a report released today by HealthGrades, a national source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes.

Kent Hospital also earned a Specialty Excellence Award for Maternity Care in 2011, having achieved the 5-star rating for two consecutive years. Women & Infants and Kent, both part of Care New England, were two of only six hospitals in New England to achieve 5-star rating.

HealthGrades report found that women who give birth at 5-star rated hospitals experience 32% fewer complications.

Major distinctions for two RI hospitals

“The care that we provide to the women and newborns of this region is extraordinary, and we are so proud to have that level of care acknowledged,” said Constance A. Howes, president and CEO of Women & Infants Hospital. “This recognition gives the general and the health care community the reassurance of the high quality, compassionate care that is provided each and every day here at Women & Infants Hospital.”

"This is a major distinction for Kent Hospital's Women's Care Center," said Sandra Coletta, Kent Hospital president and CEO. "To receive this honor from HealthGrades for two consecutive years speaks to the level of expertise, dedication, caring and commitment by all of our maternity care staff. We are honored by this designation and proud to be able to provide such a high level of care to the women and their newborns in our community."

Outcomes relating to maternity care

According to the HealthGrades 2011 Obstetrics & Gynecology in American Hospitals report, in the 19 states studied, 7% of women undergoing single live born deliveries experience an in-hospital complication. If all hospitals performed at the level of 5-star rated hospitals in maternity care, 32% of these complications (141,869) could have been potentially prevented, according to authors.

“Women today have a wide array of options when it comes to reproductive health and choosing a health care provider who aligns with their personal preferences,” said Divya Cantor, MD, MBA and HealthGrades’ senior physician consultant. “Mothers-to-be can optimize their chances for receiving the highest possible quality of care by researching and comparing the clinical outcomes of hospitals and doctors in their area.”