National Recognition
Nationally Ranked, Locally Preferred
St. Peter's Hospital has earned national designations that demonstrate our commitment to high-quality care
Baby-Friendly – Gold Standard of Care
St. Peter’s Hospital is the FIRST hospital in the Capital Region to receive Baby-Friendly designation - considered the gold standard in maternity care. This prestigious recognition means we provide breastfeeding mothers with the support, confidence and resources they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
We encourage:
- Skin-to-skin contact between the parent and baby within the first hours of the baby’s birth to promote bonding and breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding within the first hours of the baby’s birth
- Rooming-in for newborns to help parents get to know their new baby and learn baby care
The designation was awarded by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. as part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The initiative was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The global initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Magnet™ Designation for Nursing Excellence
St. Peter’s Hospital is a Magnet™ Hospital for Nursing Excellence, earning the designation four times in a row. The Magnet Recognition Program®, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.
To achieve Magnet status, organizations must apply to the ANCC and undergo a rigorous, multifaceted evaluation, including an on-site appraisal. Those who earn this designation must re-apply and demonstrate sustained excellence in nursing care.
Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care
St. Peter’s Hospital is designated a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care by BlueShield of Northeastern New York, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community.