December 10, 2024
Contact:Â media@dhs.lacounty.gov
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Named Among Nation’s Best Hospitals For Maternity Care
Amid rising maternal ward closures, OVMC is a lifeline for vulnerable communities to access world-class care in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, CA – Today, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center (OVMC), a Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) facility, was nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. This recognition underscores OVMC’s and DHS’s commitment to delivering exceptional, innovative, and equitable care for all mothers, babies, and families across Los Angeles County.
As maternal mortality rates rise and maternity wards close, with more than 200 maternal fatalities between 2019 and 2021 in California and 17 maternity wards closing in LA County alone, OVMC stands out as a critical lifeline for the County’s most vulnerable families. These crises have disproportionately affected low-income Black and Latino communities, underscoring the vital role of public health systems like DHS.
“Our doors are always open,” said Dr. Christine Holschneider, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. “At a time when many hospitals are scaling back maternity care, LA County Health Services is stepping up to deliver high quality care to Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable communities, ensuring every mother, baby, and family have access to the services they need.”
The recognition from U.S. News & World Report reflects LA Health Services’ innovative approach and commitment to improving maternal health outcomes including:
- Integrating advanced language services, including American Sign Language, and employing talented interpreters.
- Maintaining low C-section and episiotomy rates following best practices to ensure safe childbirth.
- Tracking and reporting race- and ethnicity-specific data to identify and address disparities in maternal and newborn outcomes.
- Investing in MAMA’s Neighborhood program which offers:
- Comprehensive pregnancy and childbirth education
- Breastfeeding support and baby care classes
- Housing assistance and food resources
- Substance use treatment and mental health services
“Over the last decade, we have diligently worked to build a more connected, patient-centered maternity healthcare model that prioritizes seamless care coordination and comprehensive services for every patient,” said Edgar Solis, CEO of Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to not only meet but exceed our patients’ expectations, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is evident in every aspect of the care we provide.”
“We firmly believe that every family deserves care that is both exceptional and inclusive,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director, LA County Department of Health Services. “LA Health Services continues to take deliberate steps to address barriers to care, fostering a culturally inclusive environment where every patient feels understood, trusting that when they walk through our doors, they will always receive world-class and compassionate care.”