SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL RECEIVES 2016 WOMEN'S CHOICE AWARD AS ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST HOSPITALS FOR OBSTETRICS

February 24, 2016 (La Mesa) - Sharp Grossmont Hospital recently received a 2016 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, placing it among the top 15 percent of hospitals considered the best in which to have a baby. Approximately 400 hospitals nationwide met the award’s robust evidence-based criteria that consider female patient satisfaction data, clinical excellence and feedback from women about what they want from a hospital.

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Lily Pisegna, Director Women and Infants Services, Sharp Grossmont. “Birth is a celebration of life and our staff understands and anticipates the needs of moms-to-be. We partner with them to support their birthing choices and women can trust us for quality outcomes and to take care of them and their newborns in a healing, family-centered environment.”

Sharp Grossmont delivers about 4,000 babies a year and is known for its family focus, which encourages family members to participate in the birthing process. As part of this approach, exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are promoted enhancing the bond between mother and child. For newborns needing specialized care, expert caregivers staff a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“New moms have many choices when it comes to having their baby, so choosing the best birthing experience is right up there with choosing the best doctor. We’ve made it easy for moms to vet out the hospitals proven to deliver an outstanding experience,” says Delia Passi, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Choice Award.

In 2015, the hospital unveiled the renovation of 24 private postpartum delivery suites spacious enough for families. Spa-like in design, nature is a focal point in each room and embraces the Planetree model, which encourages healing in all dimensions -- mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical -- and integrates medical therapies and access to arts and nature to improve outcomes.

According to the Women’s Choice Award organization, award winners offer exceptional obstetric services which ranked above the national average for patient safety. The scoring process is also unique in that it is the only national list that is evidence-based and focuses on female patient satisfaction. Awarded hospitals ranked above the national average for patient recommendations, as indicated by the data reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. Additional considerations included having a NICU on-site and a low early elective delivery ranking.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital has been serving the East County community for 60 years. It is the largest not-for-profit, full-service acute care hospital in San Diego’s East County and is part of Sharp HealthCare. The hospital is known for its clinical excellence in emergency and critical care; cardiac and cancer care; surgery; stroke care; orthopedics; rehabilitation; behavioral health; women’s and children’s health; and hospice care. The hospital offers extensive outpatient services and prevention programs such as home infusion, sleep disorder care, wound care and hyperbaric medicine to support Sharp HealthCare’s emphasis on community health and wellness. Sharp Grossmont is a Magnet-designated hospital and committed to providing the highest quality care. To learn more, visitwww.sharp.com/grossmont, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or follow us Facebook.

The Women’s Choice Award® sets the standard for helping women make smart choices through education, empowerment, and validation. Awards are determined by evidence-based research and identify the brands, products and services most recommended and trusted by women. Visit www.WomensChoiceAward.com to learn more. For information about the 2016 America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, visithttp://www.womenschoiceaward.com/awarded/best-hospitals/obstetrics/