On a single day this month, Tucson Medical Center delivered enough kids to fill a kindergarten class.
On Dec. 17: 24 babies in 24 hours.
It was the fourth time this year that the hospital had a 24-baby day, said Heather Donahue, manager of TMC’s Mother Baby Unit.
Four other times this year, the hospital delivered 25 babies in 24 hours.
“I like to say we delivered a full kindergarten class,” Donahue joked of those busy delivery days; the hospital usually averages 16 a day. “I always tell (those) parents be sure to book your kid’s birthday party early because their birthday is gonna be a busy day.”
As of Dec. 19, TMC had 5,704 deliveries, the most since 2008’s 6,190. Deliveries don’t equate to babies since some, as is the case this year, were multiple births; the total number of babies born as of late last week at TMC was 5,746, Donahue said.
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“Our claim to fame is that we have the second most deliveries in the state of Arizona,” said Donahue. “But you never know. That number could change.”
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, which specializes in high-risk pregnancies, has led the state in deliveries for the past several years.
TMC at 5301 E. Grant Road celebrated its 80th year in August. The hospital has received national accolades, including being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Tucson’s top hospitals, and is nationally recognized for its cardiovascular care.
"Elephant Meru made a huge splash for her first time in the pool this past week. At six months old, the youngest elephant of the herd practiced using her trunk to splash around with the herd," Reid Park Zoo wrote on Facebook.
Contact reporter Cathalena E. Burch at cburch@tucson.com. On Bluesky @Starburch
Cathalena E. Burch
Reporter
