Comparing 6 maternity hospitals in Jacksonville, FL using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Mayo Clinic
(904) 953-2000
Baptist Health Medical Center – Jacksonville
(904) 202-2000
Ascension St Vincent’S Southside
(904) 296-3700
Shands Jacksonville
(904) 244-4000
Hca Florida Memorial Hospital
(904) 702-6111
Ascension St Vincent’S Riverside
(904) 308-7300
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In Jacksonville, 4 of 6 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Shands Jacksonville, Baptist Health Medical Center – Jacksonville, Hca Florida Memorial Hospital, Ascension St Vincent’S Southside.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 6 hospitals in Jacksonville. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic | 5/5 | 4/8 above avg | No |
| Baptist Health Medical Center – Jacksonville | 4/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Ascension St Vincent’S Southside | 4/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| Shands Jacksonville | 3/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| Hca Florida Memorial Hospital | 2/5 | 4/7 above avg | Yes |
| Ascension St Vincent’S Riverside | 2/5 | 1/8 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Jacksonville
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Jacksonville:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Jacksonville, FL?
There are 6 CMS-certified hospitals in Jacksonville, FL. Of these, 4 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Jacksonville for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Jacksonville is Mayo Clinic with a CMS rating of 5/5.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
