Comparing 5 maternity hospitals in Rochester, NY using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Strong Memorial Hospital
(585) 275-2121
Rochester General Hospital
(585) 922-4000
Highland Hospital
(585) 341-6711
Unity Hospital
(585) 723-7000
Unity Specialty Hospital
(585) 723-7000
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 Rochester, 4 of 5 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Rochester General Hospital, Highland Hospital, Unity Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 5 hospitals in Rochester. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Memorial Hospital | 2/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| Unity Hospital | 1/5 | 3/7 above avg | Yes |
| Rochester General Hospital | 1/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Highland Hospital | 1/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Unity Specialty Hospital | Not rated | N/A | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Rochester
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Rochester:
- 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 Rochester, NY?
There are 5 CMS-certified hospitals in Rochester, NY. Of these, 4 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Rochester for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Rochester is Strong Memorial Hospital with a CMS rating of 2/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
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.
