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St. Luke’s Named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital

2011-12-08

Only Hospital in Region to Earn Distinction from Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters has named St. Luke’s Hospital (Bethlehem and Allentown) one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in the latest edition (November 15) of Modern Healthcare magazine.

St. Luke’s is the only area hospital to receive this distinction.

“I am excited that St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network was chosen by Thompson Reuter’s as one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital’s in the country,” says Raymond Durkin, MD, chief of Cardiology for St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network. “We were selected as one of 50 recipients of this award from hospitals throughout the country. We are recognized for our excellence in outcomes in the treatment of heart failure, heart attacks and cardiovascular procedures such as coronary stenting and coronary artery bypass surgery.”

Comparing the award winners to a peer group of hospitals, Thomson Reuters found that if all cardiovascular providers performed at the level of this year’s winners: Nearly 7,700 additional lives could be saved; Approximately 6,500 additional patients could be complication-free; and More than $1 billion could be saved

“This year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals have continued to deliver excellent care and have been able to improve their performance in a tough economic climate,” says Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals® program at Thomson Reuters. “The hospitals in this study have provided measurably better care and are more efficient than their peers, demonstrating incredibly strong focus by hospital leadership at a time when the healthcare system is steeped in volatility.”

“Quality of care is something we take great pride in providing, and commitment to excellence is literally standard operating procedure,” adds Dr. Durkin. “I am proud to say that St. Luke’s is considered a leader in the United States in providing top-notch and cost effective cardiovascular care as we set new standards for the health care industry.”

The study shows that 97 percent of cardiovascular inpatients in U.S. hospitals survive and approximately 96 percent remain complication-free, reflecting improved cardiovascular care across-the-board over the past year.

“As physicians, as a hospital and as a network, we strive to be at the forefront of the newest and most effective technologies and techniques,” says Dr. Durkin. “We strive to do what we do better than everyone else. To be recognized among these other institutions and endorsed by Thomson Reuters confirms for us that we are not only doing a good job but that we are doing what is right. Our patients expect and deserve no less. “

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