Holzer Receives National Recognition for Maternity Services

Holzer Health System was recently named a Level I maternal care verified facility by The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

To earn this recognition, Holzer demonstrated the ability to detect, stabilize, and initiate management of unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal problems that occur during the antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum period. A comprehensive on-site review to verify the level of care provided was conducted and Holzer’s capabilities related to maternity care were evaluated. Additionally, compliance with Holzer’s policies were reviewed.

The MLC Verification program provides an objective assessment of a facility’s capabilities and verifies that a hospital has the expertise, equipment, and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level. When complications arise, verification also confirms hospitals have agreements in place so the mother can be transferred to a higher-level facility with the appropriate level of care.

“We are so proud to have achieved this verification,” shared Adam Ritchie, MD, Medical Director, Obstetrics and Gynecology Services, Holzer Health System. “Patient safety and quality of care is at the center of all we do at Holzer, and receiving this certification further proves our mission of ‘Friendly Visits; Excellent Care: Every Patient; Every Time’.”

In addition to this verification, Holzer achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation in 2022 after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that Holzer is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“Our Maternity Services staff strives to offer the very best care for all our communities,” shared Susan Rowe, RN, MSN, CENP, C-EFM, CLS, LNC, Vice President of Nursing, Holzer Health System. “Receiving these certifications and designations shows the commitment our staff has for our patients to provide the very best quality care possible.”

Holzer Maternity services is created with the entire family in mind, where new mothers enjoy privacy, skilled care, and the latest available technology in a comfortable and relaxed setting - all supported by a compassionate healthcare team. It's where more and more families trust us to deliver the highest quality, family-centered maternity care available. Holzer delivers newborns at our hospital in Gallipolis and offers outpatient obstetrics and gynecology services at our locations in Athens, Gallipolis, Jackson, Pomeroy, and Proctorville. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit www.holzer.org or call 1-855-446-5937.

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Holzer Health System is a not-for-profit multi-disciplinary regional health system with locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia. The system includes two hospital locations, multiple clinical locations, long-term care entities, and more than 180 providers in more than 30 medical specialties. Holzer provides the entire continuum of care for the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.holzer.org.