We’re excited about being in such a special group of hospitals – only eight hospitals in the nation have received 100 Top Hospitals® distinction for each of the past five years.

But we’re also excited because of what it means for you. When you see this designation beside our name, you know that we are by your side, providing top-quality healthcare year after year. We aim high because we want to provide the community with the kind of healthcare it deserves—without driving hours to receive it. We can provide this level of care because of our team of talented, knowledgeable, committed and dedicated physicians, clinical and nursing staff, board leadership and volunteers.

The study, the ninth 100 Top Hospitals®: National Benchmarks for Success, was conducted by Solucient, a national leader in healthcare information, and is based solely on objective, quantitative performance data that are consistent across all U.S. hospitals. Data are analyzed in groups based on hospital size and teaching status.

This year Solucient also created a special distinction for those 100 Top Hospitals that had demonstrated consistent, high-quality outcomes and had received the award four times or more. Lancaster General Hospital was one of only two hospitals in the state to receive this recognition, Best of the 100 Top Benchmark Hospitals.

“In being named a Best of the 100 Top Benchmark Hospitals, Lancaster General Hospital has demonstrated that even among the 100 Top Hospitals, we are a recognized leader in quality patient care,” says Michael A. Young, President & CEO of Lancaster General. “But most importantly to our patients and their families, the Solucient report shows that we consistently provide our community with extremely reliable care.”

The award recognizes hospitals that demonstrated quality care and effective use of resources. Solucient’s findings also indicate that LGH patients had better outcomes, less complications, lower mortality and recovered more quickly. For example, in a study of medical errors, the Solucient report shows that hospitals that won the 100 Top Hospital award more than four times were “21 percent less likely to have complications than patients at other hospitals.”

The study also states that the Best of the 100 Top Benchmark Hospitals have “been pioneers in efficiency…by delivering care in alternative, more convenient settings than their peers.”

“The Solucient report indicates that we are a national leader in terms of consistently achieving higher survival rates and fewer patient complications at lower costs,“ Young explains. “The results are a testament to the hard work of the entire Lancaster General family and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to quality healthcare and to performance improvement.”

More information about the 100 Top Hospitals honor can be found at www.100tophospitals.com.

“As we embark on another year, we want our patients to know that we are as committed as ever to bringing them healthcare they can depend on,” Young says. “While we hope to continue to win awards, it’s more important to continue to win our patients’ trust.” Lancaster General. By your side.

100 Top Hospitals: Specialty Awards

• 100 Top Cardiology Hospital
• 100 Top ICU Hospital
• 100 Top Orthopedic Hospital

Solucient Inc., the same company that conducts the 100 Top Hospitals study, also recognizes the 100 Top Hospitals in various specialty areas. These studies recognize physicians and hospital staff that demonstrate superior clinical, operational, and financial performance in a particular area of service.

A Year of Firsts

Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania Former Governor Mark Schweiker led a public/private partnership that determined the best places to work in the state. Based on nearly 20 years of research, the Great Place to Work Institute defines a great workplace as one in which you: trust the people you work for, have pride in what you do, and enjoy the people you work with.

Magnet Hospital Designation Nursing’s highest honor. This illustrious designation is a testimony to the fantastic team of talented nurses that provide quality patient care. The American Nurses Association conducts a thorough study of hospitals before awarding this distinction. As of October 2002, Lancaster General Hospital was one of only 58 hospitals in the nation to have achieved Magnet Hospital Designation.

U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” in Urology The magazine ranked 205 top medical centers in 17 specialties and listed each specialty’s 50 highest-scoring hospitals. Lancaster General Hospital ranked number 41 in the treatment of prostate cancer and other urological cases. It was the first time LGH was ranked on this list.