Feds honor NTMC for natal care

STAFF REPORT

North Texas Medical Center has recently been designated as a “Birthing Friendly” hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

According to CMS, this designation identifies hospitals that provide perinatal care, are participating in a maternity care quality improvement collaborative, and have implemented recommended patient safety practices.

There are many reasons that NTMC received this designation, according to Chief Nursing Officer Bonnie Hess.

“The White House, in conjunction with CMS, is attempting to address the maternal health crisis by establishing a ‘Birthing-Friendly’ hospital designation,” she said. “This is a publicly- reported, public-facing hospital designation on the quality and safety of maternity care. This is the first-ever hospital quality designation that specifically focuses on maternal health.”

Hess said having good (and enough) staff helps.

“North Texas Medical Center has been awarded this designation based on the quality of care provided,” she said. “In addition to quality care, our Women’s Center has low patient-to-nurse ratios that allow staff to give care that is personalized to preferences of the mother and family. Receiving this designation is another way NTMC demonstrates our commitment to the

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So far in 2023, there have already been more than 350 babies delivered at NTMC. NTMC photo

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community. NTMC continues to provide high quality care for all of our patients.”

So far in 2023, there have already been more than 350 babies delivered at NTMC.

“This designation means so much to me because it reflects the hard work the staff has put in to stay current and be educated to recognize situations before they become emergencies,” said Jimae Eakins, Director of the NTMC Women’s Center. “There is no better group of nurses to care for a laboring mother than the staff here at NTMC.”

To find out more about the Labor and Delivery department at NTMC, call (940) 612-8423 or get information online at www.ntmconline.net/services/ labor-and-delivery.