[Southsider2k12]

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/ar...aa9bfb6db5.html

Local hospitals have achieved top national and state ranking according to a list expected to be released Wednesday by an independent health care ratings organization.

The Community Hospital, Methodist Hospitals and hospitals owned by the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. distinguished themselves in a variety of clinical areas, according to HealthGrades. Nearly 5,000 hospitals were included in the study, which examined mortality rates and complication rates in government data from 2007 to 2009.

"The latest ratings confirm that we're headed in the right direction, thanks to the tireless work of our physicians and employees, who renew their unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care every day. I salute them,'' Gene Diamond, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region CEO, said in a statement.

St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in Hammond and Dyer, St. Anthony Memorial hospital in Michigan City, St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster were recognized by HealthGrades in areas including cardiac, orthopedic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and critical care.

The Community Hospital received recognition in specialties such as joint replacement surgery, hip fracture repair surgery, spinal fusion surgery, repair of abdominal aorta surgery, gastrointestinal surgeries and procedures, and treatment of heart failure, stroke care, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, diabetic acidosis and coma, and bowel obstruction.

"These ratings support our ongoing commitment to excellence, and the quality of care provided to our patients measures up to the top hospitals in the nation," Donald P. Fesko, CEO of The Community Hospital, said in a statement. "Providing quality care is dependent on a whole team of health care professionals, who together, advance the best practices in medicine today. I am proud of our entire staff and physicians who deliver this high caliber of care every day."

Methodist Hospitals was recognized for stroke treatment, hip fracture repair, GI procedures and treatment of respiratory failure.

"These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our physicians, nurses and other clinical staff," Ian McFadden, Methodist Hospitals president and CEO, said in a statement.