HOUSTON (May 25, 2007)

VHA Inc., a national healthcare alliance, has presented Memorial Hermann Health System ten 2007 VHA Leadership Awards for Clinical Excellence, honoring the hospital for meeting or exceeding national performance standards for clinical care in specific areas. Memorial Hermann was also one of five hospitals nationwide to be recognized with a 2007 VHA Leadership Award for Community Benefit for its efforts to provide healthcare that matches the needs of its community.

For clinical excellence, Memorial Hermann was recognized for their performance at the 90 percent or above level on clinical core measures for the disease following their name:

  • Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital – acute myocardial infarction
  • Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital – heart failure
  • Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center – acute myocardial infarction
  • Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center – acute myocardial infarction and heart failure
  • Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital – heart failure
  • Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital – heart failure
  • Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital – acute myocardial infarction and heart failure

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is also being recognized for the successful implementation and results of a rapid response team.

All hospitals were honored at VHA’s Leadership Conference in Denver on May 20. “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to clinical excellence,” said Dan Wolterman, president and chief executive officer Memorial Hermann. “While public reporting has become a requirement in today’s healthcare environment, it also plays a critical role in helping to standardize care. By consistently meeting or exceeding clinical core measures, we improve the quality of care and outcomes for our patients.”

"At the heart of the covenant between patients and hospitals lies the belief that clinical excellence is paramount," said Trent Haywood, MD, JD, chief medical officer at VHA. "Memorial Hermann is a shining example of what can be achieved when a hospital's actions are guided by the pursuit of clinical excellence."

The 2007 VHA Leadership Award for Community Benefit recognized Memorial Hermann for its efforts to provide healthcare that matches the needs of its community. Core initiatives and successes include:

  • Providing school-based healthcare – five centers and one mobile dental van
  • Providing a network of Neighborhood Health Centers for the community
  • Providing an extensive physician referral network

“Hospitals across the nation do an excellent job of providing high-quality care for their patients, but there are still community needs that often go unmet through the regular course of care,” said Wolterman. “This is where community-owned, not-for-profit hospitals like ours can make a difference, and we have.”Memorial Hermann was also presented with the President's Award of Honor for recognition in two award categories, Clinical Excellence and Community Benefit.VHA serves more than 2,400 healthcare organizations nationwide, including 1,400 hospitals. VHA reviewed the performance of its members in 2006 and 277 member hospitals won Clinical Excellence awards for achievements in at least one of seven clinical categories:

  • Treatment for heart attack patients
  • Prevention of surgical infections
  • Treatment for congestive heart failure
  • Implementation of rapid response teams
  • Prevention of blood stream infections
  • Treatment for pneumonia patients
  • Prevention of ventilator association pneumonia

About VHA

VHA Inc., based in Irving, Texas, is a national alliance that provides industry-leading supply chain management services and supports the formation of 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 healthcare organizations nationwide.

More Information About Clinical Excellence Awards

  • 65 VHA member hospitals won Clinical Excellence awards for efforts in two or more of the clinical categories.
  • Only 20 hospitals won an award in three clinical categories.
  • 12 hospitals won an award in four clinical categories.
  • 1 won an award for work in five clinical categories.
  • 1 hospital won for achievements in six clinical categories.

For more information, contact Media Relations.