SMH ranks among the best maternity-care hospitals in America

Money magazine has named Sarasota Memorial Hospital as among America’s “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” for 2026. The annual rankings highlight 75 top-performing hospitals demonstrating superior outcomes and patient-centered care. 

Following a comparative review of approximately 4,000 facilities and thousands of data points, the listed hospitals are recognized for providing the best outcomes across a full range of maternity care from low-risk births to complex maternal, fetal and newborn procedures.

At No. 34 in the country, SMH was ranked third among listed Florida hospitals behind No. 6 UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and No. 32 South Miami Hospital.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses and care teams who support families through one of life’s most important moments,” said Sarasota Memorial Chief Medical Officer Dr. James Fiorica in a news release. “We are committed to providing a safe, compassionate and personalized experience for every mother and baby we serve.”

Operating the only two hospitals that deliver babies in Sarasota County, SMH deploys a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, obstetrical nurses, nurse midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists. Combined, they ensured the safe delivery and care of nearly 5,000 babies in 2025. 

The hospital's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers the highest level of care in the region for premature or critically ill newborns. Other advanced services include a dedicated Obstetrical Emergency Care Center with 24/7 board-certified hospitalists, a dedicated inpatient unit, specialized services for high-risk pregnancies and multiples, and advanced resources through its affiliation with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.