For the sixth year in a row, New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) was awarded the Maternity Care Excellence Award from HealthGrades, a national health care rating company.
During a ceremony in the hospital’s lobby, NYHQ received the top two rankings given by HealthGrades for maternity care — the Excellence Award for being in the top 10 percent of ranked hospitals and the five-star rating for being in the top 15 percent.
“Awards are very important, particularly when you win one six times in a row,” said NYHQ president and CEO Stephen S. Mills. “Five stars from HealthGrades is a remarkable feat.”
HealthGrades currently rates maternity care for hospitals in 19 states based on several different criteria, including infant mortality rates and the number of complications that arise from deliveries. The information is evaluated from patient records by doctors and biostatisticians.
The ceremony garnered an appearance from Assemblymember Grace Meng, whose two sons were born at the hospital.
“I’ve had firsthand experience in how much this hospital deserves this award and I’m proud to represent it,” Meng said. She went on to describe giving birth at NYHQ as “an amazing experience,” praising it particularly for the orientation program it provides for new parents.
Members of the hospital’s staff said they plan on performing just as well in the future.
“We will continue to strive for a seventh time,” said Mills. Then, addressing the hospital staff sitting before him, he said, “Everybody in front of me deserves praise for the jobs that they do.”
Dr. Gary Eglinton, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who accepted the award, agreed with Mills’ remark.
“It’s a matter of continuing to do more of the same,” Eglinton said, “as all members of the team particularly maintain focus on the patient and continue to provide safe, quality care.”
