WMC rated a top hospital in the U.S.

WINCHESTER — Winchester Medical Center is ranked among the nation’s top 5 percent of hospitals for the sixth consecutive year, according to an independent study of mortality and complication rates released by HealthGrades.

The hospital achieved HealthGrades’ 2009 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. According to the study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving the award are, on average, 27 percent less likely to die and 8 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication.

This year, only 270 of the nation’s nearly 5,000 non-federal hospitals will receive the distinction.

“This reflects a serious commitment by our hospital staff and physician community to excel,” says WMC president Al Pilong. “We are proud we achieved this award for the sixth consecutive year, but we know quality is a journey.”

— Daily Staff Report