University Health maintains Level IV maternal designation

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has renewed University Health’s designation as a Level IV maternal center, a designation we have held since 2019 and the highest level achievable.

“Achieving Redesignation as a Level IV maternal center is a powerful reflection of our unwavering commitment to excellence in women’s health,” said Irene Sandate, chief nursing officer of University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Combined with our Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, this accomplishment demonstrates our continuing excellence in compassionate, high-level care for the most complex cases involving pregnant patients and their newborn babies. Achieving Level IV status requires passing a rigorous evaluation process and the designation is valid for 3 years.

While maintaining this high standard, University Health has continued to expand the number of families we serve, delivering 5,574 babies in 2024 at the new Women’s & Children’s Hospital on the University Health Main Campus. Exclusively focused on the unique needs of women and children, this beautiful state-of-the-art hospital specializes in comprehensive care. This welcoming environment includes a 24/7 women’s center for OB-GYN emergencies, spacious labor and delivery suites, large postpartum rooms, lactation support for new parents and customized nutrition for newborns.

Within that space and service, the expertise and warmth of the care is an inherent part of how we earn that Level IV designation.

“It signifies our ability to provide the highest level of specialized care with compassion, innovation and dedication to advancing the well-being of every woman and family we serve,” Sandate said.