LDS Hospital Again Named One of America's Best Hospitals

Salt Lake City -  For the sixth time, LDS Hospital has been named one of America's best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

In the magazine's prestigious rankings of America's best hospitals, based on data collected in 2007, LDS Hospital, for the second consecutive year, is once again ranked in more specialties than any other Utah medical center. LDS Hospital was cited for its excellence in urology treatment (#29), gastro/intestinal care (#32), orthopedics care (#44), and kidney disease care (#45).

The issue of America's Best Hospitals is out on newsstands next week.

Out of 5,462 hospitals evaluated across the nation, LDS Hospital is one of only 170 medical centers – or 3 percent – that was ranked by the magazine.

"This is wonderful recognition of the excellence of our programs in 2007 and today," says Mikelle Moore, LDS Hospital's administrator. "I appreciate our physicians, our employees, and all our colleagues in the region and in Intermountain Healthcare who contribute to our success. All of the honors we've received, and all the praise we get from patients and professional organizations give us a great heritage that continues today in excellent outcomes, wonderful technology, and extraordinary care."

Hospitals were ranked in 16 different categories. To be eligible for ranking, hospitals must meet one of three standards: membership in the Council of Teaching Hospitals, affiliation with a medical school, or availability of at least nine out of 18 key technologies like shaped beam radiation, advanced cancer therapy, etc. Hospitals were then judged on mortality rates, reputation, and a mix of care-related factors such as nursing (i.e., nurse/patient ratios and magnet-designation) and other patient services.

The objective of the Best Hospitals in America survey is to identify centers that take on and excel at tough procedures and conditions.

"The goal is to identify facilities that excel at treating a variety of demanding illnesses and procedures," says a statement in the magazine. "What this means is that when confronted with a difficult or complex condition, selecting a hospital with a solid track record could be nothing less than life-saving."