Photo: Members of the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital obstetrics department were honored to receive the Women’s Choice as one of America’s best hospitals to receive obstetric care. Nursing staff shown with the award are (left to right) Katie Barkmeier, Shelly Weston, Jenni Macke, Ann Sandvig, Katie Pudenz, Director of Nursing Zacharina Winker, Ashley Mork, and Kari Jones, Chief Nursing Officer. Not pictured are Traci Winans, Sue Aber, Sara Thorkildsen, Dr. Derek Duncan, Dr. Susan Hornback and Danni Anderson, PA-C.
Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) in Lake City has been selected to receive a 2016 Women’s Choice Award as one of the best hospitals in the nation for obstetrics. This designation places them among the top 15 percent of hospitals considered the best in which to have a baby. Approximately 400 hospitals nationwide met the award criteria. “Jenni Macke, SMCH obstetrics manager, said, “Birth is a celebration of life, and our staff understands and anticipates the needs of moms-to-be. We partner with them to support their birthing choices,” she added, “and women can trust that our caring hands will deliver their miracles in a healing, family-centered environment.” From 2014 to 2015, SMCH increased the number of deliveries at the hospital by 10 percent. In 2015, the hospital auxiliary raised money to purchase new labor and delivery beds designed with the ergonomic features for comfort and safety.
