Sherman's cardiac surgery program receives top quality rating

Sherman Health is pleased to announce that its cardiac surgery program has received the highest quality rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

STS has recently developed a comprehensive rating system that allows for comparisons regarding the quality of cardiac surgery among hospitals across the country. Approximately 14% of hospitals receive the "3 star" rating, which denotes the highest category of quality. In the current analysis of national data covering the period from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the cardiac surgery performance at Sherman Hospital was found to lie in the highest quality tier, thereby receiving an STS 3 star rating.

The methodology for the STS comprehensive ratings system involves gathering data on 11 separate quality standards for patient care during and following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The standards are comprehensive and broad-based and cover medical care before surgery, operative care, care following surgery and patient outcome. Together, these data form a composite score that can be used determine a hospital's overall cardiothoracic clinical performance.

"We are honored to receive the 3 star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons," says Ian Jones, MD, Vice President of Clinical Performance, Sherman Health. "This rating is a testament to the outstanding healthcare and service our dedicated team provides our cardiac surgery patients-every life, every moment, every day."

STS is a professional not-for-profit organization representing surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible heart, lung, esophageal, and other surgical procedures for the chest. Founded in 1964, the mission of STS is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.