Medical personnel at Covenant Health LeConte celebrate their award by Newsweek. Image submitted

KNOXVILLE - Covenant Health is proud to announce that Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Covenant Health LeConte have been recognized by Newsweek as two of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2026. This national distinction is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate exceptional quality, safety and patient experience in maternity care. The 2026 ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, honors 460 hospitals across the United States that excel in clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and reputation among medical professionals.

The Newsweek evaluation incorporates multiple data sources, including quality metrics from federal and national organizations, patient experience  surveys  and a nationwide survey of physicians, nurses and midwives. Hospitals must meet or exceed rigorous performance thresholds to earn a place on the list.  

“We are incredibly proud of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Covenant Health LeConte for earning national recognition as two of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals,” said Debbi Honey, MHA, RN, CPHQ, CENP, FAONL, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Covenant Health. “This honor reflects the exceptional dedication of our nurses, physicians, midwives and care teams who work tirelessly to ensure that every mother and baby receives the highest standard of care. Their commitment to safety, compassion and clinical excellence is truly remarkable, and this recognition affirms the outstanding work they do every day.” 

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center  and  Covenant Health LeConte have long been trusted providers of maternity care in East Tennessee, welcoming thousands of babies each year and offering comprehensive services that support mothers, newborns and families. 

Covenant Health hospitals  partner with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital to ensure newborns who need extra support have immediate access to specialized neonatal care. Through this collaboration, newborns can receive care from a dedicated team of neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatologists if needed.  Safety and quality guide everything we do, and our teams are committed to supporting families every step of the way.  

The Newsweek “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026” list highlights hospitals that excel in:

• Clinical quality and safety metrics
• Patient experience and satisfaction
• Reputation among maternity care professionals
• Adherence to evidence based maternity care practices

The ranking is designed to help families make informed decisions about where to receive maternity care during one of life’s most important moments.  

Covenant Health offers trusted maternity services throughout the region. Visit the website to learn more about its maternity hospitals and connect with an experienced OB/GYN on the team.