Merit Health Wesley Receives Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Maternity Care

12/22/2021

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi recently announced Merit Health Wesley as a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Maternity Care. The facility is being recognized by the state’s leading health and wellness company for its work in meeting stringent criteria focused on patient safety and clinical outcomes.

“Our goal is always putting the patient first,” said Shantele Bolton, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist with Merit Health Wesley, “and making sure that they receive not only evidence-based medicine and quality care, but also that they feel comfortable where they are receiving their care. Merit Health Wesley is the only facility in our area that has this distinction.”

By implementing programs that progressively raise the bar on provider quality, facilities like Merit Health Wesley are providing Mississippians access to evidence-based medicine, with the overall goal of healthier Mississippians. Research confirms that Blue Distinction Centers of Excellence demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients with lower rates of complications and readmissions than their peers.

“Providing the highest quality, safest and most patient-centered experience to moms, babies and families is our highest priority,” said Matthew Banks, Chief Executive Officer of Merit Health Wesley. “This designation is also a tribute to everyone involved in our women's services programs. It’s their passion and expertise that continually drive us to deliver safe, effective care for patients.”

Quality healthcare with healthier outcomes for moms and babies is the goal of the Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Maternity Care Designation. To meet these standards, Merit Health Wesley had to first be designated by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, based on national criteria focusing on quality, cost and total value, and then meet additional criteria as defined in the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi’s Maternity Quality Model. The Maternity Quality Model is a statewide initiative that includes maternity best practices focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and making childbirth safer.

The physicians of Merit Health Wesley provide a wide range of obstetric and gynecologic services to the women of the Pine Belt, including a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and robotic surgical options. To learn more about Women’s Services at Merit Health Wesley, visit mhwesleywomenscare.com.

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