Winthrop-University Hospital received 5-star rating for clinical excellence in obstetrics services for 2004, according to an announcement from HealthGrades, the national healthcare quality company. This distinction places Winthrop in the top 10 percent in the nation for these services.The obstetrics ratings are especially relevant, as women make up to 90 percent of all healthcare decisions, represent 60 percent of all physician visits and spend two-thirds of all healthcare dollars in America, according to HealthLeaders News, a leading online publication. Surveys by HealthGrades and other organizations also show that women are more likely to research their healthcare and choose higher-rated hospitals and physicians, based on quality outcomes."Every member of the Winthrop team should be very proud of his achievement, as this is just another demonstration of the outstanding efforts of our physicians and staff," said Daniel P. Walsh, president and CEO. "We work hard to ensure each mother and newborn receives world class care in a warm and welcoming environment."Each year, nearly 5,000 babies begin their lives in Winthrop's New Life Center, a modern, up-to-date facility that offers 16 labor-delivery-recovery rooms. While the ambiance is tranquil and non-clinical, expectant families can feel secure in the knowledge that the sophisticated technology and vast resources of a major, university-affiliated medical center are close at hand should a complication develop. And, Winthrop is designated a New York Regional Perinatal Center, supporting the hospital's ability to deliver the highest level of obstetrical and perinatal care to patients throughout the region."The nature of obstetrics, in particular, allows families the time to make careful decisions about where to receive their healthcare," said Genevieve Sicuranza, chief of obstetrics at Winthrop. "Providing this information about Winthrop's outstanding clinical performance will allow families to make thoughtful choices about where to experience this important event in their lives." HealthGrades independently analyzed 1,769 hospitals in 16 states nationwide for its 2004 ratings, objectively assessing their clinical performance and quality. The HealthGrades ratings measure whether patient incomes in obstetric services are better than expected (5-star), as expected (3-star) or worse than expected (1-star). Earning a 5-star designation indicates that a hospital has scored in the top 15 percent or better in the nation for clinical quality.The 2004 HealthGrades ratings for obstetrics are based on the following criteria: hospital birthing volume, in-hospital complication rates, presence or absence of a neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal morality (by weight classification), and unspecified or non-indicated elective primary cesarean section complication rates. HealthGrades' rating methodology was developed and tested by a team of board of certified physicians, including experts in obstetrics, neonatology, family practice and internal medicine."HealthGrades produces its annual hospital report cards on obstetrics and a wide range of other procedures and diagnoses with the mission of helping consumers make better and more informed healthcare choices," explained Sarah Loughran, HealthGrades senior vice president. "Our primary goal in advancing public reporting is to improve the quality of healthcare in America."It is very important for women and their families in the Long Island community to be aware of this information, and the outstanding clinical quality rating earned by Winthrop University Hospital," Loughran added. "There is tremendous difference in clinical outcomes between health care facilities."
