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Deborah Scores As the Area's Top Hospital By the Federal Government

Posted on: Wednesday, 2 April 2008, 12:01 CDT

In a sweeping hospital comparison released by the federal government, Deborah Heart and Lung Center outscored nearly every other hospital in the region in 34 categories ranked by the government.

The Hospital Compare report, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, calculated rankings on over 2,000 hospitals nationwide. The easy-to-use comparison chart is designed for consumers to compare hospitals in key areas, so they can make a better informed decision when deciding where to go for care.

"This report is a testament to the superb quality of the medical staff here at Deborah," said President and CEO John Ernst. "That we have ranked so highly is of no surprise to me. Deborah has been, and always will be, a model for patient safety and care."

The comparison leads the way for the government to match Medicare funds with hospital performance. Those hospitals that do not do as well in the future may lose federal dollars.

Deborah outranked its competitors by more than 80-90 percent in most cases. Of particular note is the hospital's excellent standings in preventing infections after surgery. Deborah's scores were much higher than that of the closest leading heart center in Philadelphia. Also of note was Deborah's high patient satisfaction ratings, a new voluntary rating category.

"These patient numbers reflect data collected a while ago," added Ernst. "Our latest figures are even more dramatically increased. Our patients are treated well here, given lots of important medical information, and are respected as partners in their care. These rankings prove this."

As to Deborah's care in its three main specialties, heart, lung and vascular care, Deborah's scores again are unmatched.

"Deborah is THE most quality facility in the area," said Dr. Lynn McGrath, Deborah's Chair of the Surgery Department and Vice-President of Medical Affairs. "It is rewarding to have the federal government recognize this as it compares data from hospital to hospital. The numbers prove that Deborah is the region's premiere facility."

For more information on the government comparison, visit www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. For more information on Deborah Heart and Lung Center, visit www.Deborah.org.

Source: Business Wire

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