Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Named High Performing for Maternal and Newborn Care by U.S. News & World Report

Santa Clara County, CA – Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) has been honored as High Performing for Maternity Care for a fourth consecutive year in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report list of Best Hospitals for Maternal and Newborn Care. SCVMC is part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), California’s second-largest public health and hospital system that operates three hospitals and 15 primary care clinics for the County of Santa Clara. 

“Valley Medical Center is one of the jewels of Santa Clara County. As our safety-net hospital, it provides world-class health services to every patient, including our most vulnerable and marginalized residents,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Betty Duong. “As a VMC baby who also gave birth to my own daughter there, I have first-hand knowledge of how good the care is for mothers and newborns. I am pleased to see U.S. News and World Report recognize VMC for its exceptional level of maternity service.”

“This illustrates the quality and compassionate care provided to all patients welcoming their newest family members into the world at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center,” said Paul E. Lorenz, Chief Executive Officer for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. “The doctors, nurses and staff cherish the privilege they are granted in helping families at this important and joyous time.”  

Hospitals across the country were evaluated on a multitude of birth friendly safety categories, including avoiding C-sections, episiotomies, and severe newborn complications while also promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), breast feeding, and transparent reporting on any racial/ethnic disparities.

“We strive to provide the highest level of care with compassion,” said Dr. James Byrne, Chair of the SCVMC Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “This award recognizes excellent outcomes that result from our highly coordinated system of maternal-newborn care resources in our clinics and hospitals. Our caring teams are dedicated to helping families foster magical moments in welcoming their child.”  

As a Birthing-Friendly center, SCVMC has participated in a quality improvement collaboratives and implemented patient safety practices in order to improve maternal outcomes.

SCVMC was noted for ranking excellent in minimizing avoidable C-sections.  When those who previously had a C-Section desire to attempt vaginal birth, SCVMC offers them a safe opportunity at rate nearly double the average in the State of California.  As a designated Baby Friendly Hospital, over 70% of newborns are exclusively breastfed during their stay, more than 10% higher than the overall west region and well above the 49% national average. 

The Maternity care program joins SCVMC’s ranking of High Performing from U.S. News and World Report with treatment for Heart Failure, Hip Fracture, Pneumonia and Stroke, which also remanded SCVMC’s Rehabilitation Center as the sixth best rehabilitation center in the country.

The rankings evaluate thousands of hospitals nationwide based on each hospital’s performance using a variety of objective measures and methodology factors.
 

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About Santa Clara Valley Healthcare
Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), California's second-largest County-owned health and hospital system, is comprised of three acute care hospitals, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O’Connor Hospital, and St. Louise Regional Hospital, along with a network of primary and specialty clinics. SCVH emphasizes quality care, research, teaching, innovation, and most importantly, a focus on coordinated, compassionate and patient-centered care for every patient. SCVH is also the home for the County’s Custody Health Services department, providing medical attention to those under our care. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County, regardless of their social-economic status or ability to pay.
 

Contact: Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Media Relations, (408) 568-3122, [email protected]