U.S. News & World Report Names Riverside University Health System – Medical Center Among Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
Tuesday, December 10
For the second year in a row, Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Medical Center is ranked among the top-performing hospitals for maternity care in the nation.
The announcement released today by U.S. News & World Report shines a light on RUHS Medical Center’s commitment to providing enhanced quality care to mothers and their newborns in Riverside County. The High Performing designation for uncomplicated pregnancies is the highest award on the magazine’s 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list.
“We are very proud of the continued efforts of our skilled and dedicated staff to provide exceptional service to pregnant moms and their babies. Their extraordinary work comes from a place of love for their jobs and the patients they serve,” said Dr. Ronald Johnson, Chair of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at RUHS Medical Center.
RUHS Medical Center was one of 414 centers identified as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care that met high standards for each of the quality metrics in a detailed survey administered by U.S. News. Criteria includes low rates of avoidable C-sections and severe newborn complications, higher breastfeeding rates and participation in a quality collaborative to improve maternal outcomes, among other factors.
RUHS Medical Center provides comprehensive care that includes diabetes and hypertension education, a 24/7 call line for those experiencing high-risk pregnancies and robust referrals to services and additional resources. The Medical Center’s HeRCARe clinic is Riverside County’s premier maternal fetal medicine program.
RUHS boasts a 32-bed, Level III neonatal intensive care unit delivering high-tech, high-quality care to sick babies as young as 23 weeks gestation.
Additionally, RUHS Medical Center is established as a Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby Friendly USA for its high standards for birthing and breastfeeding practices.
According to U.S. News, Best Hospitals for Maternity Care:
- Had 44% lower rates of severe unexpected newborn complications than unrated hospitals
- Had 22% lower C-section rates
- Were 47% more likely to have achieved recognition as “Baby-Friendly” for implementing best practices to support breastfeeding – and their patients were 12% more likely to exclusively breastfeed
- Were 13% more likely to track and report outcomes by race and ethnicity, an important step toward addressing disparities
To learn more about RUHS maternity care and other services, visit RUHealth.org.
