Columbus Community Hospital has earned a Level I Neonatal Facility designation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This designation is only awarded following an in-depth assessment and review of the hospital’s neonatal care program.

“We’re committed to providing excellent care for families and expectant mothers in the Columbus region,” said Columbus Community Hospital CEO James Vanek. “This designation speaks to the skill of our care teams, the quality of our neonatal and delivery programs, and our dedication to advancing care for the families we serve.”

Level I neonatal facilities are required to possess skilled medical staff and personnel equipped to provide care for mothers and infants 35 weeks gestational age and older experiencing perinatal problems. Care teams must deliver appropriate levels of emergency care for unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal problems that can occur during labor and delivery and have the capabilities to stabilize and transport infants in need of a higher level of care to the appropriate facilities.

In 2021, Columbus Community Hospital was designated as a Level II Facility for Maternity Services. This recognition from the Texas Department of State Health Services affirms the hospital’s ability provide care for pregnant and postpartum patients with medical, surgical, and/or obstetrical conditions that present a low to moderate risk of maternal morbidity or mortality.

The Texas Department of State Health Services implements care designations for neonatal facilities receiving reimbursement through the Medicaid program for neonatal services. Neonatal care designations ensure that facilities meet the care needs of mothers, infants, and their families while delivering neonatal care consistent with current standards and clinical guidelines.