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Paoli Hospital Wins AHA's Premier Excellence in Maternal-Health Care Award for Second Year

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 15:08 GMT by Patch

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Paoli Hospital Earns Premier Award for Labor & Delivery Excellence

Paoli, Pa. – Paoli Hospital, the flagship health‑care institution for the Greater Philadelphia region, has been honored with the nation’s highest accolade for its labor‑and‑delivery program. In a ceremony held at the hospital’s main auditorium on Friday, the medical center was presented with the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) “Excellence in Maternal‑Health Care” Award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate outstanding performance in obstetric care, patient safety, and community outreach—metrics that Paoli Hospital has consistently outpaced in statewide comparisons.

A Legacy of Patient‑Centered Care

Paoli Hospital’s obstetric program, founded in 1978, has grown from a modest maternity wing into a comprehensive birth center that serves over 2,500 deliveries annually. The award citation highlights the hospital’s commitment to “family‑centered, evidence‑based care that prioritizes the health of both mother and newborn.”

Key achievements cited in the award include:

• Cesarean Rate: 12.3%—below the national average of 31.9% and the Pennsylvania state average of 24.5%.
• Baby‑Bump Mortality: Zero maternal or neonatal deaths in the past year.
• Patient Satisfaction: A 94% positive rating on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) maternity survey, the highest in the region.
• Community Outreach: Over 1,200 free prenatal education sessions delivered to underserved populations in Chester County and surrounding areas.

“We are humbled and deeply proud,” said Dr. Emily Hayes, Paoli Hospital’s Director of Maternal‑Fetal Medicine. “This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff—from midwives and nurses to the surgeons and neonatologists—who all share a single goal: safe, compassionate, and high‑quality care for every mother and baby.”

What Sets Paoli Apart

While many hospitals can boast about low cesarean rates or high patient scores, Paoli Hospital’s approach is built on three pillars:

1. Multidisciplinary Team Care
   Every labor and delivery team includes an obstetrician, midwife, anesthesiologist, and neonatal nurse. The hospital’s 24‑hour “Maternity Team” ensures that patients have immediate access to skilled professionals at every stage of childbirth. Dr. Hayes notes, “Our teams work together seamlessly, and that collaboration directly translates into better outcomes.”

2. Community‑Based Education
   The hospital’s Birthright program, an initiative launched in 2015, partners with local schools, churches, and community centers to provide free prenatal classes, postpartum support groups, and parenting workshops. By extending education outside the hospital walls, Paoli “fosters a sense of empowerment and continuity,” says program director Maria Sanchez.

3. Advanced Neonatal Care
   Paoli’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) handles infants born as early as 28 weeks with a 98% survival rate. The unit’s state‑of‑the‑art technology—including high‑definition imaging and precision respiratory support—has earned the hospital a National Association of Pediatric Nursing (NAPN) “Excellence in NICU Care” recognition last year.

Community Impact and Future Vision

The award has energized the hospital’s leadership to expand its reach. Paoli Hospital is already in the planning stages of a new birthing pavilion slated for completion in 2025, designed to accommodate rising demand and integrate cutting‑edge technology such as remote fetal monitoring and tele‑obstetric consultations.

“We’re not resting on our laurels,” says President of Paoli Hospital, James O’Connor. “The award reinforces our mission to be the region’s benchmark for maternity care, and we’re actively investing in training, technology, and outreach to make that a reality.”

In the broader context, the award is a significant milestone for the town of Paoli and Chester County, a region that has historically struggled with maternal health disparities. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, maternal mortality rates in the county have dropped by 15% over the past five years—an improvement largely attributed to hospitals like Paoli that have adopted best practices in perinatal care.

Recognizing the Team

The ceremony itself was a celebration of teamwork. Nurses, midwives, administrative staff, and support personnel were all acknowledged with plaques and certificates. Hospital spokesperson Maya Patel shared that “every hand that’s been in this program—from the first prenatal appointment to the newborn’s first cry—has earned this honor.”

The event was also broadcast live on the hospital’s community TV channel, allowing families who could not attend in person to witness the proud moment. A photo wall displayed snapshots of mothers and babies in their first months, underscoring the human impact behind the statistics.

Bottom Line

Paoli Hospital’s receipt of the AHA “Excellence in Maternal‑Health Care” Award reflects years of dedication to safe, evidence‑based maternity care. The hospital’s low cesarean rates, high patient satisfaction scores, robust community outreach, and top‑tier neonatal services set it apart as a regional leader. As Paoli looks ahead to a new birthing pavilion and ongoing innovations, the award stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when a community, its patients, and its health‑care professionals commit to continuous improvement and compassionate care.