UPMC Altoona recognized for maternity care

Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — Altoona is one of eight UPMC hospitals being recognized as a 2023-24 high performing hospital for maternity care by U.S. News and World Report.

This is the highest award a hospital can get, and less than half of the nearly 680 hospitals evaluated received a high performing designation.

Across its hospitals with obstetric services, UPMC delivers close to 25,000 babies each year.

Officials say staff in the labor and delivery department don’t view the expectant parents as just patients, but as family and friends.

Kristine Williams, R.N., UPMC Altoona Unit Director of Labor and Delivery said, “A lot of times during pregnancy, women have to come in for additional testing; screening; various visit needs, and you do get to know them. It’s nice to see that familiar face, not only for the moms, but for us in the nursing team and provider team as well. The patients get to know their providers really well in the office, and coming here to deliver is just full circle for them.”

Other UPMC hospitals receiving the honor include Magee, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Horizon, Lititz, Memorial and Williamsport.

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