Cape Fear Valley Medical Center recently received Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care from the Joint Commission. The medical center is the first in the state to receive this certification. The hospital, which delivers about 4,800 babies each year, has held basic certification in Perinatal Care since 2016.

According to the Joint Commission, the new Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care helps organizations address the growing need for appropriate obstetric care given the challenges of increasing maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S. The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and -accrediting body in health care. This certification is also given in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Women and Childrens Department includes a 15-bed Labor and Delivery unit, 36 postpartum rooms, and a 44-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“We are so proud of this achievement, as it shows our level of dedication and commitment to provide the best level of perinatal care to our patients in the community,” said Corporate Director of Women and Childrens Kathya Gavazzi in a press release. “This is a real badge of honor.”

According to the Joint Commission’s website, the Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care demonstrates a commitment to a higher standard of clinical care, designated excellence in perinatal care, reduced risk of error through a consistent approach to care, and improved efficiencies and outcomes at potentially lower cost.