LAKELAND, Fla. – Lakeland Regional Health was recognized as High Performing for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” 2025 list. Hospitals that scored well in evaluated categories were recognized as High Performing. Lakeland Regional Health is one of seventeen hospitals in Florida to be recognized as a High Performing hospital in maternity care.
The categories that U.S. News & World Report considered are the following: C-section rates, newborn severe complication rates, breast milk feeding rates, routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) rates, episiotomy rates, whether a hospital meets new federal criteria for “birthing-friendly” practices, and whether a hospital tracked and reported their outcomes for patients of different races and ethnicities.
“We are thrilled to again be recognized for our high-quality maternal care. We feel immense pride when we are able to share in the joy of welcoming a new child into the world. Our team feels privileged to provide compassion and encouragement to families during this chapter of their lives,” said Lori Shea, Lakeland Regional Health Associate Vice President, Women’s and Children’s Services. “This year alone we have cared for thousands of women and children at our award-winning Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. In fact, our team is on track to have delivered over 4,000 babies this year alone! We are so proud that the extraordinary, high-quality care provided by our team at the Pavilion continues to be nationally recognized.”
U.S. News & World Report publishes a list of “best” hospitals and ratings for procedures and conditions each year; Lakeland Regional Health is also rated High Performing in other procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart attack care, heart failure care, knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, and COPD care.
At its Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, Lakeland Regional Health offers Polk County’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 33-bed Children’s Emergency Department with emergency services, and the Center for Fetal Care for women with high-risk pregnancies. Lakeland Regional Health also plays a key role in providing pediatric specialty care to the families it serves, including a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a Pediatric Surgery program through its affiliation with Nemours Children’s Health.
“At our Pavilion, and throughout the entire health system, we have an incredible team of exceptional providers who are dedicated to providing high-quality care to each patient and their unique care needs,” said Timothy J. Regan, MD, President, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center/Chief Medical Officer, Lakeland Regional Health. “This national recognition is emblematic of their talent, passion, and dedication.”
Click here to view the full list on the U.S. News & World Report’s website.
Provided by Lakeland Regional Health