A new study designed to investigate how a patient’s COVID-19 ICU hospitalization affects the mental health of family members is currently under way at South Shore Hospital.

Duxbury’s Rosemary and Jim Phalen; Christopher Oddleifson, Chief Executive Officer of Rockland Trust Company named “Home Care Champions."

One year after being chosen as the pilot site for a one-of-its-kind study, South Shore Hospital, part of South Shore Health, has seen a nearly 4-percent decrease in its first time cesarean section rate while continuing to improve communication, patient experience and outcomes during childbirth.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) and South Shore Health System have launched a first-of-its-kind pilot program to improve patient care, slow the rise of health care costs, and change the way hospitals are paid.