Health Alliance Hospitals--Christ and University--Receive VHA Leadership Award for Outstanding Care

Cincinnati, OH--VHA Inc., a national health care alliance, has recognized The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati for providing excellent care to its patients. The 2007 VHA Leadership Awards for Clinical Excellence honor organizations that have distinguished themselves by meeting or exceeding national performance standards. The hospitals were honored at VHA's Leadership Conference in Denver on May 20.

Health Alliance hospitals met this high standard by performing at the 90 percent or above level on clinical core measures for the period October 2005 to September 2006. This high level of performance is evidence of Health Alliance efforts and commitment to excellence.

Hospitals that received the awards include:

• The Christ Hospital for acute myocardial infarction core measures at 90 percent or above
• University Hospital for heart failure measures at 90 percent or above
• University Hospital for its Rapid Response Team.

"These awards validate the dedicated focus of our clinical staff and physicians to pursuing excellence in the care we provide," said Reuven Pasternak, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Health Alliance.

"At the heart of the covenant between patients and hospitals lies the belief that clinical excellence is paramount," said Trent Haywood, M.D., J.D., chief medical officer at VHA. "The Health Alliance is a shining example of what can be achieved when hospitals' actions are guided by the pursuit of clinical excellence."

About the Health Alliance: The Health Alliance is an integrated health care delivery system that includes The Christ Hospital, University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom.

About VHA: VHA, Inc., based in Irving, Texas, is a national alliance that provides regional and national networks to help members improve their clinical and economic performance. With 17 offices across the U.S., VHA has a track record of proven results in serving more than 2,400 health care organizations nationwide, including 1,400 hospitals.

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