We're #1!!

Methodist Medical Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge has been ranked #1 in the Knoxville metro area in U.S. News and World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings. Methodist is East Tennessee's only union hospital and has been organized with SEIU since 1966. 

The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metropolitan area. For gastroenterology (digestive health care), Methodist Medical Center was ranked the #1 hospital in the Knoxville area for 2010. In addition, Methodist was the #2 rated gastroenterology hospital in the whole state of Tennessee.

The #1 ranking comes on the heels of the recent Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence, which was awarded to Methodist in May by VHA Inc., a national organization of not-for-profit healthcare organizations. Methodist was one of only 28 hospitals out of 1,350 that was recognized by that organization.

Also, in a series of surveys done over the last year of patients about their hospital stay, 77% of MMC patients said they would "definitely" recommend the hospital to friends and family. That's far above the state and national averages, which are at 68%.

"For those who say that unions are only out to help themselves, think again," said Kay Golden, a registered nurse and the union's chief R.N. steward. "Our union has worked hard over the years to ensure that we have the highest standards for our patients and we are thrilled that once again, MMC is being recognized for quality and a committment to excellent patient care."

Hard numbers stand behind the Best Hospital rankings — death rates, patient safety, procedure volume, and other objective data. Responses to a national survey, in which physicians were asked to name hospitals they consider best in their specialty for the toughest cases, also were factored in.

The rankings cover 16 medical specialties and all 94 metro areas that have at least 500,000 residents and at least one hospital that performed well enough to be ranked.

Read more about this story at The Oak Ridger.