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Four Sutter Health Affiliates Honored for Clinical Excellence in Cardiac Care

Hospitals Recognized as Leaders in Helping Improve Patient Outcomes after Heart Attack

SACRAMENTO, Calif. May 22, 2006 – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In fact, every minute a person dies of a heart attack in this country. Four Sutter Health affiliates have received a leadership award for their extraordinary level of clinical excellence in cardiac care. The recognition was based on nationally recognized quality measures and awarded by VHA Inc., a national health care provider alliance of more than 2,400 not-for-profit health care organizations.

The four Sutter Health affiliates are among only nine VHA member hospitals across California to receive the organization's 2006 Leadership Award for excellence in cardiac care for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), which is more commonly referred to as a heart attack. They are:

Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley
Novato Community Hospital in Novato
Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital in Auburn
Sutter Medical Center – Sutter General in Sacramento

"Sutter Health and our affiliates make every effort to deliver the highest quality health care to everyone who enters our doors," said Gordon Hunt, M.D., chief medical officer for Sutter Health. "That's why in 2003, the Sutter Health network launched a special initiative focused on improving outcomes for patients following a heart attack."

Sutter Health treats more than 4,000 cases of AMI a year. The project is designed and led by physicians and clinicians using the latest evidence-based information.

"Being part of Sutter Health provides us access to the best practices, technology, and knowledge that helps us advance the quality of care and improve outcomes for our patients," said Anne Hosfeld, RN, Chief Administrative Officer of Novato Community Hospital, a Sutter Health affiliate. "Health professionals throughout our not-for-profit network are focused on sharing expertise and adopting best practices that ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients."

The VHA 2006 Leadership Award for clinical excellence in cardiac care is based on a set of national performance standards recognized as indicators of quality. For AMI, heart attacks, the measures include:

Aspirin prescribed at time of patient's arrival
Aspirin prescribed at time of patient's discharge
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers administration for left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Adult smoking cessation advice/counseling provided to patient prior to discharge
Beta blocker prescribed at time of patient's arrival
Beta blocker prescribed at time of patient's discharge
Amount of time until thrombolysis administered
Amount of time until PCI performed

The Sutter affiliates performed at 90 percent or above on these clinical core measures to qualify for the award.

"Sutter Health and our affiliates are proud to accept these awards, but we also know that quality improvement is an ongoing process. We will continue to work diligently to help our patients have a greater chance of surviving a heart attack and living longer and healthier lives," concluded Dr. Hunt.

Media Contact
Karen Garner
Communications Manager
(916) 286-8297
garnerk@sutterhealth.org

Kami Lloyd
(916) 286-6680
lloydk@sutterhealth.org