& World Report
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Labette Health with two prestigious maternity care honors for 2026: High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care and High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care Access. These awards represent the highest distinctions a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual survey.
“To say I am proud would be an understatement,” said RN and OB/Nursery Director Mandie Spencer. “This group of physicians and nurses always gives 100% to provide the very best care in southeast Kansas. With safety of our patients being top priority at Labette Health, this team is deeply committed to serving the growing families in our communities.”
Now in its fifth year, the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data for analysis. For the 2026 ratings, approximately 900 hospitals nationwide participated with only 495 achieving a High Performing designation. The program is designed to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their families’ needs.
The High Performing designation recognizes hospitals that demonstrate exceptional outcomes in maternity care as measured by factors such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.
“From prenatal care to delivery, our maternity care teams are deeply invested in creating remarkable outcomes for every pregnancy and every family,” said Elaina Murray, MD; OB & Family Medicine. “Making high-quality care more accessible throughout our communities is an important part of our long-standing commitment to elevating maternal and infant health. During a time when many hospitals across the nation are closing their maternity programs, especially in rural areas, it is imperative that we continue setting the standard for delivering high-quality, affordable care. We are proud to earn this recognition from U.S. News, and, most importantly, proud to serve each patient who entrusts Labette Health with caring for them and their growing family.”
The Maternity Care Access Hospital designation, now in its third year, highlights hospitals that provide essential maternity services to underserved communities and meet U.S. News’ strict quality standards. Of the roughly 900 hospitals evaluated, only 147 hospitals – or 16% – earned this Access designation for 2026. These hospitals play a vital role in preventing maternity care deserts and ensuring families receive safe, high-quality care regardless of geographic barriers.
“Being recognized for both performance and access highlights what matters most to us, which is ensuring every family receives exceptional maternity and infant care,” said Kayla Daniels, MD; OB & Family Medicine. “Our goal has always been to create a birth experience where families feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. This is a testament to the heart and expertise our team brings to every patient who walks through our doors. We are deeply proud and grateful for the trust families place in us.”
“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “The Access designation is also essential – these hospitals meet strict quality measures for safety and outcomes while simultaneously ensuring that geographical isolation does not prevent families from receiving the care they need. It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”
Labette Health is also recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care. For more information about Labette Health and its women’s services, visit labettehealth. com or call 620-421-4881.
