The Children's Medical Center Ranks Number 1 in UHC Report

August 7, 2009

Augusta, Ga. - MCGHealth Children's Medical Center was recently ranked first in the nation in patient quality and safety according to a nationally recognized method for assessing the quality of medical centers.

In the First Quarter 2009 Quality and Safety Management Report from the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC), MCGHealth Children's Medical Center ranks No. 1 in pediatric care for the past year. The report provides rankings based on quality indicators established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). In addition to receiving the No.1 ranking in a composite measure of overall quality, MCGHealth's pediatric care earned the top spot in seven out of 14 AHRQ measures, ranking higher than 99 others.

"We are very excited about this prestigious ranking. Achieving the top position in the UHC is the result of our focus on delivering the safest and highest quality care available anywhere in the nation," said Don Snell, President and Chief Executive Officer of MCG Health, Inc. "This national recognition is good for our organization, but it's vital for our patients, which is where it really counts."

"We provide excellent patient care at the MCGHealth Children's Medical Center and through ancillary pediatric services throughout the health system," said Barbara Meeks, Vice President of Pediatric Patient Care Services of MCG Health, Inc. "These rankings are evidence that our physicians, nurses and support staff give their best to our patients. We are extremely proud of this success."

"It takes a remarkable team effort centered on children and their families to be the best of the best in children's care," said Dr. Bernard L. Maria, Chairman of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the MCGHealth Children's Medical Center. "As the site of the first children's hospital in the Southeast, founded in 1910, we enter into a centennial year with our many partners and friends in the community with even more to celebrate."

Source: MCGHealth News

For more information, contact:
Denise Parrish
Media Relations Manager
MCGHealth
706-721-9566
mparrish@mcg.edu