Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This designation is the highest award given in U.S. News’ annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study, which is now in its fifth year.
The hospital is one of 27 in New Jersey to receive this recognition and stands out as the only facility in the Greater Mercer County area to be honored. Capital Health has appeared on the U.S. News High Performing Hospitals list for Maternity Care for three consecutive years and four times in five years since the publication began its maternity rankings. In April 2024, Capital Health was also noted by U.S. News for strong outcomes regarding cesarean sections and reduced unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.
U.S. News started evaluating hospitals offering labor and delivery services in 2021, requiring them to submit detailed data for review. For the 2026 rankings, about 900 hospitals across the country participated by providing maternity care data. The ratings aim to help expectant parents make informed decisions about where to seek maternity services.
Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell received its High Performing status based on several criteria, including rates of C-sections among lower-risk pregnancies, rates of severe unexpected newborn complications, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices.
“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital for the third year in a row—and four out of the five years the study has been published—is an important honor for our Maternity Services team and our patients at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell,” said Dr. Kira Przybylko, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Capital Health. “It validates all the hard work our incredible staff does every day at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center, and it tells expectant mothers that we consistently provide highest level of care as we help their growing families get off to the healthiest and safest start possible.”
“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. “It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”
