CARBONDALE –  U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale as one of the nation’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The designation highlights the hospital’s exceptional outcomes and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of mothers and newborns in Southern Illinois.

This is the second year in a row SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale has earned this prestigious recognition, which is awarded to hospitals that excel in key measures of quality related to uncomplicated pregnancy care, including C-section rates, early elective delivery rates and unexpected newborn complications.

“We’re proud to be named a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report,” said SIH Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Harre, DNP. “It’s a powerful reflection of the skill and dedication of our entire Birthing Center team—especially our nurses, laborists, neonatologists and support staff who provide expert, compassionate care every day.”

“This recognition from U.S. News & World Report is a reflection of our entire team’s commitment to providing safe, evidence-based care to every expectant mother who walks through our doors,” said SIH Vice President and Administrator of SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Craig Jesiolowski. “It speaks volumes about the caliber of our clinical teams and reinforces our reputation as a destination for maternity care in Southern Illinois.”

SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale’s Birthing Center is home to a Level II-E Special Care Nursery, the highest level of neonatal care available south of Interstate 64. Staffed by board-certified neonatologists, the unit is equipped to care for infants born as early as 30 weeks gestation, and who may require respiratory support or intravenous nutrition.

“We know that expectant parents want not only a personal birth experience, but the reassurance that if something unexpected arises, their baby will be in capable hands,” said SIH Director of Women and Children’s Services Terri Pursell, MSN, RN. “This recognition confirms what many families in our region already know—Memorial Hospital is a place they can trust for safe, high-quality maternity care.”

Hospitals earning this award had to meet or exceed objective criteria and clinical outcome benchmarks developed with input from obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and other medical experts. Out of thousands of hospitals nationwide, only a select group met the rigorous standards set by U.S. News & World Report.