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Emerson Health has been named a 2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, a distinction that places the local health system among the nation’s leaders in safety and patient experience for expectant families.
The recognition highlights Emerson’s ongoing commitment to providing expert, compassionate care for newborns, mothers, and growing families across the region, including Sudbury. The organization has prioritized community health in recent years, expanding its footprint in multiple towns around Sudbury.
To determine the rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated approximately 900 hospitals nationwide. The assessment focused on the performance measures that matter most to prospective parents, including:
- Patient experience and satisfaction.
- Minimizing C-section rates.
- Strong support for breastfeeding.
Emerson Health secured the “High Performing” designation, the highest award available in this category, by significantly exceeding national standards in these critical areas.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the experienced, family-centered care our teams provide every day,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO of Emerson Health.
“Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, and we are honored that so many new parents choose Emerson and trust us at such a pivotal time in their lives.”
The methodology used by U.S. News is designed to help families make informed decisions about where to deliver their babies based on objective health data rather than reputation alone.
Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., a health data scientist at U.S. News, emphasized the significance of the award. “This recognition means they consistently meet essential patient safety standards compared with other hospitals. It is a clear sign to expectant parents where the highest standards of care are practiced.”
Residents can view Emerson’s full ranking and learn more about the methodology by visiting the U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care website. To find local obstetricians and midwives, or to learn more about the birthing center amenities, visit Emerson Health Maternity.

