Low Cesarean section rates earn accolades for HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

Brooksville, FL — HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital was recently recognized for reducing the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries for low-risk, first-time mothers by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH). 

The recognition is part of a federal program called Healthy People 2030 with focused Maternal and Child Health goals that seek to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Reducing unnecessary cesarean deliveries is essential to reducing rates of prematurity and infant mortality, according to the Healthy People 2030 report.

"This award for excellence recognizes the dedication and commitment of Florida's hospitals to advancing models of care and innovative practices that support safe, quality care for expecting mothers and their babies and to celebrate their success in reducing preventable C-sections.  Our hospitals are demonstrating leadership every day in their efforts to improve outcomes for moms and babies. I am incredibly grateful for their leadership and the collaborative work among all of our hospitals to learn from one another to advance high quality care in Florida," said Mary C. Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. 

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital is one of 33 labor and delivery centers in Florida to earn the 2022 designation for a rate below 23.6% - with a 2022 rate of 23% and a 2023 rate of 21%. To date in 2024, HCA Florida Oak Hill performs cesarean sections only 18 percent of all deliveries. 

According to the CDC, the average cesarean section rate in Florida is 29.6%, well over the national average of 25.6% and the Healthy People 2030 goal of 23.9%. 

“Being recognized for our low cesarean delivery rate creates public awareness around our dedication and commitment to quality outcomes for all of our patients,” said Dr. David Slovut, Chief Medical Officer, HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital. “Our commitment to patient safety has been demonstrated through a number of quality awards including being in the top 5% in the nation for Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award and America’s 250 Best Hospitals.”

AHCA and DOH announced the recognition awards to hospitals at the Florida Hospital Association’s annual meeting during the Celebration of Achievement in Quality and Service Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2024.