Hospital is among first in the nation and the only hospital in Florida to achieve this recognition.

Boca Raton, Fla. (Dec.17, 2015) – West Boca Medical Center affirms its commitment to mothers and babies by becoming the first and only Florida hospital, and one of only 10 in the United States, to earn The Joint Commission’s new Perinatal Care Certification. The certification recognizes accredited organizations looking to elevate their perinatal health care services.

The World Health Organization estimates that 1,200 women in the United States suffer fatal complications during pregnancy or childbirth each year, and 60,000 suffer complications that are near-fatal.  The Perinatal Care Certification focuses on achieving integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births.

“When considering where to give birth, families selecting West Boca Medical Center can consider this designation to be another affirmation of our hospital’s focus on the health and well-being of both mothers and newborns,” said CEO Mitch Feldman. “Families can expect to receive the highest level of care in the welcoming environment of our newly modernized maternity suites."

In order to achieve Perinatal Care Certification, West Boca Medical Center had to meet the following criteria:

• Provide integrated, coordinated patient-centered care that starts with prenatal care and continues through postpartum care

• Identify  high-risk pregnancies and births early

• Manage mothers’ and newborns’ risks at a level corresponding to the program’s capabilities

• For identified or unanticipated high-risk pregnancies and births or maternal, fetal and newborn problems, provide direct care or stabilize and safely transfers mothers and/or newborns who require care beyond the scope of services provided

• Offer patient education and information about perinatal care services so mothers can make informed decisions about care, treatment or services

• Provide evidence of ongoing quality-improvement processes for the program, from prenatal to postpartum care including program-specific, quality-improvement requirements in addition to The Joint Commission’s Perinatal Care core measure set

“Achieving Perinatal Care Certification recognizes an organization’s commitment to healthy mothers and healthy babies,” said Wendi Roberts, RN, BA, MS, CLNC, executive director of The Joint Commission's Certification Program. “The certification will give providers an unparalleled advantage when it comes to preparing mothers for labor and delivery, while helping mothers and newborns if complications arise.”

To develop this certification program, Joint Commission staff convened a perinatal care technical-advisory panel of clinical experts for guidance on developing requirements for the evaluation of organizations seeking Perinatal Care Certification. West Boca Medical Center participated in a rigorous on-site review in order to provide evidence of meeting the criteria. For more information on the only level III NICU from Boca Raton to Northwest Broward County, or to schedule a tour of our newly renovated maternity suites, log on to www.westbocamedctr.com.