UMC Acquires Highest Maternal Care Designation

EL PASO, Texas – University Medical Center of El Paso today was notified it is the recipient a Level IV designation for its maternal care, the highest possible rating from the Texas Department of State Health Services. UMC is now one of only three hospitals in Texas with the same level of certification. No other hospital in El Paso is as highly rated.

“This is a milestone for UMC and the many mothers and families in our region who can rely on us for the highest level of care when a newborn arrives,” said Jacob Cintron, President & CEO. “Our facilities and amenities for new mothers are second to none, along with the exceptional expertise of our partner physicians from Texas Tech.”

A Level IV Maternal Care designation gives certification that UMC has the critical care expertise, physicians, training and equipment able to meet stringent state guidelines for new and expectant mothers. Healthcare providers throughout the region, for the first time, have access to a Level IV Maternal Care hospital

The Level IV designation requires that the hospital be prepared to care for the most complex patients. This means being ready for high-risk situations with expertise, preparedness and facility coordination of high-risk patients, said Sireesha Reddy, M.D., professor and chair of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso’s department of obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to their duties at TTUHSC El Paso, all university professors practice medicine, either at UMC or at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso clinics.

“Not all hospitals can do everything you need to be a Level IV,” Dr. Reddy said. “We’ve concentrated resources at UMC that allows it to be designated Level IV, maintain its certification and maintain its level of expertise. Women and their obstetrics doctors in El Paso can feel at ease knowing there is a Level IV hospital in the area that can meet the highest standards for maternal and neonatal care.”

“Our teams have worked efficiently and carefully over the last few years to raise the standard of care not only at UMC but in El Paso,” said Roxanne Weisendanger, UMC Interim Chief Nursing Officer. “Our nursing staff, physicians and maternal care programs are all focused on ensuring positive outcomes for our patients, especially during critical care situations involving the delivery of a new child. This designation tells the rest of the State of Texas that we are ready.”

As a partner in care with El Paso Children’s Hospital, mothers delivering at UMC also have immediate access to the EPCH and its Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care unit, yet another layer of high-level care and reassurance for expectant mothers.

For more information about UMC’s Maternal Care programs, logon to UMCelpaso.org.
UMC Media Contact:
Ryan Mielke, Director of Public Affairs
(915) 521-7656, cell (915) 493-9235 or rmielke@umcelpaso.org

TTUHSC Media Contact:
Jay Koester at 915-215-5317 or news.ep@ttuhsc.edu
Veronique Masterson at 915-433-7407 or news.ep@ttuhsc.edu

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About UMC: For 104 years, University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) has been providing exceptional, high quality care for the entire El Paso region. UMC is home to the region’s only Level I Comprehensive Stroke Center and only Level I Trauma Center. UMC’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of the El Paso community by making high quality, affordable healthcare services accessible to all, while providing healthcare-related education, research and innovation.

About TTUHSC: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers students and residents a rich learning environment on the U.S.-Mexico border. Since 1973, students have gained experience in infectious disease, diabetes, migrant health and community-oriented primary care. Patients benefit from outstanding faculty knowledgeable in the latest developments in medical science. Through community partnerships, TTUHSC El Paso faculty also lend their skills to underserved areas lacking adequate health care.