GBMC HealthCare Awarded Perinatal Care Certification from The Joint Commission

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Perinatal Care Certification by validating constant compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s promise to delivering safe and quality patient care.

This advanced certification was first acquired by GBMC in 2020, making it the first hospital in the state to earn this significant designation. It recognizes GBMC’s ardent work to attain integrated, organized, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s, one of the nation’s best-known and respected healthcare accrediting entities, perinatal care core performance measures for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health of newborns and their mothers.

“Throughout our history, GBMC has been known to be one of the best places in the area to have a baby and this re-certification is further evidence of our excellence,” said John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, president and CEO of the GBMC HealthCare system. “We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the health of mothers and babies and support these new or growing families.”

The Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. GBMC underwent a rigorous, on-site review in March. During the visit, a Joint Commission perinatal expert evaluated the care we provide to our patients through pregnancy, delivery, postpartum discharge and beyond, including our care for well newborns and those who need neonatal intensive care. The surveyors commented that it was clear that we exemplify GBMC’s vision phrase and have a culture of caring and a passion for inquiry and improvement. They identified the Perinatal Program’s support for the community, thorough education to families, outstanding and compassionate bereavement work, and overall support of breastfeeding as particular strengths.

Chessare congratulated Victor Khouzami, MD, Chair of Obstetrics, Jodie Bell, MSN, IBCLC, Assistant Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, and the entire team for this fabulous achievement.

GBMC was also recognized as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek. This prestigious recognition was given to six Maryland hospitals, with GBMC being one of three in the state to receive a designation as a five-ribbon hospital.

This important award, presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, included medical key performance indicators and patient survey results via a complex methodology to ensure the quality and validity of the ranking. Over 10,000 medical professionals were invited to participate in the survey with only 350 winners recognized on the Best Maternity Hospitals 2022 list.

Annually, there are approximately 4,100 babies born at GBMC, and their parents benefit from a complete range of services available through the hospital or the GBMC HealthCare System.

“As ‘the Baby Hospital’ serving Marylanders for the past 55 years, this is a true honor and reflection of why so many families choose to start their journey with us,” added Chessare. “It is a great validation of what we do every day and is a testament of our continued commitment and dedication to our community and the patients we serve.”