Sutter Health Named One of the Nation's "100 Most Wired Health Systems" for Second Year in a Row

SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 7, 2002 - Sutter Health, one of the nation's leading not-for-profit networks of community-based health care providers, has been recognized by Hospitals and Health Networks Magazine as one of the nation's "100 Most Wired Health Systems" in 2002. This is the second time Sutter Health has been awarded this distinction which recognizes technically savvy hospitals that use Internet technologies to improve patient care.

"Each day physicians, registered nurses and technicians throughout our not-for-profit network work to improve patient care through the use of technology and implementation of best practices," said Chief Information Officer John Hummel. "We're thrilled to be recognized once again for our strategic focus on improving care through technological innovations."

Independent analysis of this year's Most Wired organizations show that they dedicate more staff and capital budget to IT projects than less wired organizations. The Most Wired health systems succeed at communicating with patients by scheduling appointments and filling prescriptions online.

Across the Sutter Health network, technology supports physicians in performing transplants, offering the most advanced treatments for cancer, providing leading-edge surgical techniques and caring for the most difficult pregnancies and deliveries. Outside the traditional walls of the organization, Internet technology employed by Sutter Health provides patients with access to expert information regarding thousands of common illnesses, treatments and healthy living, as well as locate network services. Sutter Health's Web site, www.sutterhealth.org, also provides job candidates with the ability to search and apply for Sutter Health employment opportunities in eight geographic regions throughout Northern and Central California, as well as Hawaii.

Sutter Health's Information and Technology Department of more than 300 employees provides services in Web development, interface development, project management, electronic security and telecommunications support.

Contact
Karen Garner
Communications Manager, Sutter Health
916-286-8297
garnerk@sutterhealth.org