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United Hospital Awarded Bariatric Center of Excellence Designation; ''National Designation Awarded By American Society For Bariatric Surgery''

Posted on: Thursday, 1 December 2005, 09:00 CST

United Hospital in St. Paul announced today, it has been awarded the "Bariatric Center of Excellence" designation by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). United Hospital received the designation for having well-integrated programs while providing critical cross-functional team support for bariatric patients.

"We are extremely excited about this designation," said Mark Mishek, president, United Hospital. "Bariatric Centers of Excellence is an important designation we take seriously. It allows patients to find health care facilities that have a well-established program that is dedicated to quality treatments and positive outcomes. United is honored to have this designation."

Obesity is considered America's most serious epidemic. More than two-thirds of our nation is overweight; a frightening statistic that continues to increase each year. Of even greater concern, more than 23 million Americans are considered "morbidly obese," which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds. One third of these are considered "super obese." Those afflicted by these severe forms of obesity are not only burdened by their bulk, they are also confronted with life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary compromise.

"The success of our program at United Hospital is due to the combination of experienced, compassionate and caring staff and our multidisciplinary approach to each patient's unique situation," said Dan Foley, MD, vice president medical affairs, United Hospital. "We're proud of our accomplishments and outcomes."

Bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging undertaking. Many patients, afflicted with other serious medical conditions in addition to the danger of excessive weight, are considered surgical risks. Psychosocial challenges and the uncontrolled complications of morbid obesity require highly competent and compassionate support. Furniture, hospital equipment, instruments and imaging resources must be suitable to deal with patients who often exceed their ideal body weight by 400 pounds.

United Hospital, the largest hospital in the Twin Cities east metro area, is a not- for-profit hospital providing a full range of health care services to more than 160,000 people each year. United offers a wide range of health services including a birth center, cardiac care in the John Nasseff Heart Hospital, emergency care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and epilepsy, a pain center, rehabilitation, medical imaging and surgery. More information about the hospital, which is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, can be found on the Internet at www.unitedhospital.com.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 65 clinics, home care and hospice services, oxygen and equipment, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.

Source: Business Wire

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