Emory University Hospital Named Consumer Choice Winner for 13th Straight Year

For the 13th straight year, Emory University Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals by the National Research Corporation's (NRC) Consumer Choice Awards.

The award identifies hospitals chosen by healthcare consumers as having the highest quality and image in more than 300 markets throughout the U.S. This is the 15th year NRC has awarded hospitals whose consumers have recognized them for providing the highest quality healthcare.

“Having an opportunity to once again share this tremendous honor with the men and women who care for our patients and visitors each day is certainly a special and rewarding part of my job,” says Robert Bachman, Emory University Hospital chief operating officer. “Being recognized for what you do – and how well you do it – by the very consumers you are in the business of serving each day is an accolade that cannot be topped. I want to thank our entire team of physicians, nurses, support and business staff, volunteers and vast network of stakeholders and donors who strive to make Emory University Hospital a great center for care and discovery. Our customers have again spoken, and we will use this award as motivation to continue improving service in a safe, patient- and family-centered environment of care.”

Ginny Martin, president of NRC's Ticker Division, says winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company's Ticker study. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study, the winning facilities rank highest in their Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Ticker study surveyed over 250,000 households representing over 450,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia.

"Healthcare has become an increasingly important issue across the country and empowered consumers are making decisions for themselves and their families when selecting their healthcare facilities and services," Martin says. "As care options multiply and financial challenges remain strong, consumer perception of quality continues to grow in importance. Dedication to providing high quality healthcare has become essential for all hospitals. In the face of adversity, these Consumer Choice award winners exemplify the dedication it takes to provide quality healthcare to their communities, and we are pleased to honor them through the eyes of their patients."

This year, Emory University Hospital for the 20th time, joined the prestigious ranks of America's top medical institutions in the annual U.S. News & World Report guide to "America's Best Hospitals." The hospital is at the heart of one of the nation's leading university-based health systems, with nationally and internationally recognized faculty physicians in a broad range of specialty areas. The 573-bed adult, tertiary care facility is a component of Emory Healthcare -- the largest and most comprehensive health system in Georgia. The hospital is staffed by more than 950 practicing physicians who are also faculty members of the Emory School of Medicine.

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Grady Hospital's Avon Breast Center Earns National Accreditation

/PRNewswire/ -- Grady's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center has been granted a full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. According to the NAPBC, accreditation is granted only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of breast care and undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

The Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center is a key component of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System. The Center is a multi-disciplinary breast care program, offering a full spectrum of clinical and support services, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivor care. The patient care team, comprised of Emory & Morehouse physicians and Grady personnel, include specialists in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, breast imaging, pathology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, mental health services, nutrition, community outreach and navigation, palliative care and other specialties. The Center has treated more than 1,000 newly diagnosed women since opening in 2003 and has increased its mammography services by more than 60 percent.

"The team at the Avon Breast Center works tirelessly to ensure our patients obtain the best possible care and services," said Sheryl Gabram, MD, director, Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady and professor of surgery, Emory University School of Medicine. "It is because of their dedication and hard work the Center was awarded this recognition. The accreditation will benefit our patients, our community and our collaborative efforts in the future."

The American Cancer Society estimates that 5,370 women in Georgia were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

-- Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art
services
-- A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment
options
-- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
-- Quality breast health care close to home.


"The Avon Breast Center at Grady provides cutting edge care and as a result has decreased breast cancer outcome disparities for women treated at Grady," Gabram added. "It is because of the extensive support from The Avon Foundation that we are able to accomplish this and make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of women."

About Grady Health System

Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center - and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.

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