Ascension Saint Thomas is pleased to recognize Saint Thomas Midtown and Rutherford Hospitals as recipients of the Tennessee Department of Health’s 2019 “BEST for Babies” award.
“We will never take for granted the immense privilege of bringing new life into this world,” said Kristen Toth, Vice President of Women’s, Children’s, and Oncology Services, Ascension Saint Thomas. “This award is both an honor and a validation of the hard work invested by our teams at Saint Thomas Midtown and Rutherford Hospitals.”
The “BEST for Babies” award was created in 2016 as an extension of the state’s ongoing partnership with birthing hospitals to reduce infant mortality rates and improve the health of Tennessee’s newborns. Facilities are selected based on year-to-year success in increasing breastfeeding initiation rates, minimizing instances of premature delivery, and promoting healthy sleep practices for babies. The acronym “BEST” stands for “breast-feeding initiation, early elective delivery elimination, safe sleep education, and modeling for Tennessee babies.” Awardees must meet rigorous benchmarks in each area.
“Saint Thomas Midtown is proud to be the state’s leader in obstetrics by number of babies born. As the top birthing destination for Tennessee families, our priority is offering moms and newborns a high quality of life through high-quality healthcare,” said Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals. “As we work towards achieving our goals, this recognition by the Department of Health means that we are succeeding in creating a healthier Tennessee.”
“Saint Thomas Rutherford is thrilled to receive this commendation from the Tennessee Department of Health,” said Gordon Ferguson, President and CEO, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. “Our team of experts works around the clock to provide high-caliber care for the babies and parents of Middle Tennessee.”
ABOUT ASCENSION SAINT THOMAS
In Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas operates nine hospitals in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities that cover a 68-county area and employ more than 8,000 associates. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas provided more than $137 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2019. Serving Tennessee for 15 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care – including 150 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.Ascension.org.
