Features Home Page Features Archives Event Photos

Rutherford Hospitals Earn Five-Star Rating for Participation in Birthing Project
Wednesday, November 8, 2023


Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford has received a five-star rating from the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC)’s Optimal Cord Clamping Project, which aims to reduce mortality of preterm newborns in Tennessee.

The hospitals began working with TIPQC in 2022 to ensure every baby born received a delayed umbilical cord clamping. The project specifically aims to reduce the mortality rate for infants born at 29.6 weeks or earlier, but delayed cord clamping provides health benefits to babies born at any term.

The five-star rating, awarded by TIPQC, is based on active project participation, including huddles and coaching calls, monthly outcome and structure data capture, data-driven QI work, clinical change implementation, and reaching the state’s goal of providing 90% of infants with optimal cord clamping. 

“This achievement is a testament to our pursuit of excellence in health care,” said Gordon Ferguson, president and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. “We’ve witnessed the impact of this project, not only for infants born prematurely but for every newborn born at our hospital. We will remain committed to providing the highest standard of care, always seeking innovative ways to nurture the health and well-being of the smallest members of our community.”
Delayed umbilical cord clamping is a practice that helps increase hemoglobin and iron levels at birth for newborns and regulates blood pressure. This practice has benefits for all newborns, but especially for those born before term.

To learn more about the TIPQC’s Optimal Cord Clamping Project, visit https://tipqc.org/occ.

More Stories

  • Editors Letter

    If you know me, you know I’m a big sports fan. And it doesn’t get much better than March — with The Masters and the NCAA Basketball Tournament. While we’re not covering those events in this issue, we do hope you’ll enjoy flipping through these pages and catching up on the many wonderful things happening right here in Murfreesboro. Read More

  • Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Delivering a Legacy of Care

    At Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, families have long begun their stories in our care. As our community grows, so does our commitment to providing an exceptional birth experience. We are improving the hospital spaces devoted to Women’s and Obstetric Services, creating a modern, welcoming, state-of-the-art environment that elevates every step of the birthing journey and reflects our commitment to exceptional, family-centered care. Read More

  • Cavender’s Boot City Expands Operations in Middle Tennessee

    Cavender’s Boot City, the premier destination for authentic Western Wear, is excited to announce its newest location in Murfreesboro, TN, which officially opened on Friday, February 20, 2026. This is the retailers, trusted for more than 60 years for its iconic brands, fifth store in the Volunteer State. Read More

  • Drs. Saraswat and Family Critical Care Waiting Room Refresh

    The Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation recently funded a $62,972 project to refresh the Drs. Saraswat and Family Critical Care Waiting Room within the Gordon B. Ferguson CCU, replacing existing furniture to better serve patients and families. The new furnishings provide greater comfort and support for visitors who often spend long, emotional hours waiting, helping ease stress and anxiety during an especially vulnerable time. Read More