St. Luke’s ranks in top tier in 4 specialties; the most of any Wisconsin hospital
MILWAUKEE, July 11 /PRNewswire/ — Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center is among the top 50 hospitals in the nation in four different specialties, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “2008 America’s Best Hospitals” list to be released Monday.
U.S. News & World Report named Aurora St. Luke’s 30th in digestive disorders, 45th in endocrinology, 34th in geriatrics and 50th in respiratory disorders.
“Being recognized by U.S. News is an honor and an affirmation of the terrific work our caregivers provide,” said Aurora St. Luke’s Chief Administrative Officer Mary O’Brien. “We are privileged to serve the people of southeast Wisconsin and our goal is to continue to give them high-quality care.”
Out of 5,453 hospitals considered, only 170 medical centers scored high enough to earn the top one percent rankings, in 16 specialty areas, ranging from cancer to urology. Aurora St. Luke’s received the most specialty rankings of any Wisconsin hospital. Rankings were based on each hospital’s reputation, patient mortality and other care-related factors.
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Dr. Ted Gronski, the medical director of the lung transplant program at Aurora St. Luke’s, was delighted with the recognition for respiratory care.
“We use all the latest technology, but what sets us apart is that we’re very service oriented,” Dr. Gronski said. “It’s a collaborative effort.”
Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other staff meet regularly to discuss patients’ treatment, Dr. Gronski said, which makes for seamless care and better outcomes.
Aurora St. Luke’s was also recognized for its digestive disorders care. Dr. Michael Schmalz, Aurora St. Luke’s gastroenterology section chief, said the hospital is outstanding in this specialty because it is quick to adopt new diagnostic and treatment technologies. Members of the medical and nursing staff are known across the country and internationally for their work, and the department has been involved in a number of clinical research projects. This expertise attracts patients from across Wisconsin and northern Illinois, particularly those with pancreatic or bile duct disease, Dr. Schmalz said.
One such patient was a woman with a pre-cancerous polyp in a hard-to-reach bile duct. Once she was diagnosed, the gastroenterology team worked with Aurora St. Luke’s liver transplant surgeon, and after part of her liver was removed, the patient walked out of the hospital five-days later, cured. Such a remarkably fast recovery was due not only to the surgeon’s skill, Dr. Schmalz said, but to the expert care of the entire Aurora St. Luke’s team.
Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers care at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.
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Source: Aurora Health Care
