Objective:

To compare the quality of care for neonates with neonatal sepsis, intrauterine hypoxia, prematurity and perinatal asphyxia in accredited hospitals (HA) and unaccredited (HNA).

Materials and methods:

28 hospitals of the Ministry of Health were evaluated in 11 states in Mexico; the evaluation included infrastructure, equipment and supplies, quality management processes, and clinical quality indicators. LQAS was used, and average fulfillment of criteria and indicators in AH and NAH was estimated.

Results:

There were significant differences in favor of HA in equipment and supplies and, not significant, in the existence and functioning of hospital committees. There were no consistent or significant differences in compliance with clinical indicators between the AH y NAH.

Conclusions:

Accreditation for the care of newborns with the selected diagnoses is not associated with differences in the quality of care.