West Jefferson Medical Center Receives Birth Ready + and LA Gift Designation

Marrero, LA - West Jefferson Medical Center proudly announces its achievement of receiving the Birth Ready + and LA Gift designations, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing extraordinary maternal and neonatal care to the New Orleans community. These designations, received by The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC), show that our birthing center has been recognized for consistent, thoughtful healthcare improvement work that focuses on improving safety, equity, and promoting dignified birth.

The Birth Ready + designation recognizes West Jefferson Medical Center's dedication to ensuring expectant mothers receive high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth. Hospitals that achieve the Birth Ready+ Designation have met a higher threshold of compliance and achievement of meeting criteria in five dimensions, including implementation of policies and procedures, promoting patient partnership, and addressing health disparities and equity. This designation shows our efforts in maintaining the highest standards of safety, education, and support for mothers and their newborns.

In addition to the Birth Ready + designation, West Jefferson Medical Center has also been honored and recognized with the LA Gift designation, highlighting its commitment to promoting breastfeeding support and assisting mothers in their breastfeeding journey. This designation reflects our comprehensive approach to breastfeeding education, lactation support, and mission of creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment for all mothers.

Rob Calhoun, President and CEO of West Jefferson Medical Center, expressed his pride in achieving these prestigious designations. "We are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our mothers and their newborns. Our team at the Family Birth Place is dedicated to accommodating the needs of our patients and to delivering the best-of-the-best care. The Birth Ready + and LA Gift designations reaffirm our commitment to excellence in maternal and neonatal care, and we are honored to receive these recognitions.” West Jefferson Medical Center’s Family Birth Place continues to bridge the gap of healthcare disparities to address the unique needs of our patients. By offering programs that improve the level of compassionate care received, patients and families receive a personalized experience leading to healthier birthing experiences.

About West Jefferson Medical Center

Founded in 1956, West Jefferson Medical Center (West Jefferson) is a 419-bed community hospital located in Marrero, La. As a full-service medical center, West Jefferson offers comprehensive programs for preventive, emergency, acute and rehabilitative care with a medical staff of more than 450 physicians and a complement of 1,700 employees and many volunteers. The medical center enjoys national awards for clinical excellence across many of its subspecialties.

West Jefferson is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system serving the healthcare needs of the Gulf Coast region. LCMC Health currently manages award-winning community hospitals including Children’s Hospital, Touro, New Orleans East Hospital, University Medical Center New Orleans, and West Jefferson Medical Center.