Expectant mothers and newborns across northeast Georgia can count on receiving some of the nation’s safest, high-quality maternity care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, Braselton and Habersham according to independent national ratings. All three maternity hospitals, which are part of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), earned the highest possible rating of “High Performing” in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

According to U.S. News, this recognition means patients at all three hospitals experience care that is well above average on measures that matter most to families, including lower rates of unexpected complications, fewer unnecessary C-sections and strong support for exclusive breastfeeding.

“Families can feel confident knowing they are receiving nationally recognized care at our hospitals,” said Heather Howell, executive director for NGMC’s Women & Children’s Services. “Our top priority is safety for mothers and their children, and these awards reflect our team’s unwavering commitment to providing the compassionate care our communities deserve.”

In addition, U.S. News also recognized NGMC Gainesville, Braselton and Habersham as “Maternity Care Access” Hospitals. This designation flags hospitals that are the only facility providing maternity care to their community – helping ensure families are not left in what might otherwise become “maternity care deserts.”

Only 92 hospitals in the nation received both the High Performing rating and the Maternity Care Access designation, placing NGMC among a select group delivering both exceptional quality and vital access.

“From continually improving maternity care at those three hospitals, to operating neonatal intensive care units in Gainesville and Braselton, to leading a national grant-funded project with other hospitals across the state to reduce the infant and maternal mortality rates in Georgia and more – our physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and leaders are always working to ensure happy and healthy lives for mothers and their children,” said Brett Barger, MD, OB chair for NGMC’s Women & Children’s Services and an OB/GYN with Longstreet Clinic.

For more information about Women & Children’s Services at NGHS, visit nghs.com/women.