Winthrop-University Hospital has received the 2005 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence from HealthGrades(r), the national healthcare quality ratings company. Each year, HealthGrades offers Distinguished Hospital recognition to an elite group of hospitals that achieve notably high levels of performance.

With this tribute - for the second year running - Winthrop has been ranked among the top 5 percent of all acute-care hospitals in the country in terms of overall clinical excellence across a wide range of services. The award is based on data collected from 2000 through 2003 by the federal government’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Additionally, two specific Winthrop clinical services were recognized for providing outstanding care:

* Overall Cardiac Services received the Cardiac Care Excellence Award, with heart care at the Hospital ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation.

* Stroke Services received the Stroke Care Excellence Award, with the Hospital ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for treatment of stroke.

As part of its seventh annual Hospital Quality in America Study, HealthGrades independently analyzed nearly 5,000 hospitals across the country for its 2005 ratings, creating the standard for healthcare by impartially evaluating clinical outcomes and quality. The ratings measure whether patient outcomes are better than expected (5-Stars), as expected (3-Stars) or worse than expected (1-Star).

In addition to the outstanding ratings for cardiac and stroke care, Winthrop received 5-Star ratings for treatment of pneumonia, was rated “Best in Area” for Pulmonary Services and ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for Gastrointestinal Medical Services.

“We are very proud of these awards,” said Daniel P. Walsh, Winthrop’s President and CEO. “Getting the Distinguished Hospital Award and 5-Star ratings from HealthGrades validates our commitment to clinical excellence and reflects the quality care delivered everyday to our patients and families by our physicians, nurses and staff.”

Sarah Loughran, HealthGrades Executive Vice President said, “On Long Island, Winthrop stands out notably in terms of delivering quality care.” Patients, families and employers here truly have access to healthcare that is among the best in the nation.”

For more information about Winthrop’s high-quality services, call 1-866-WINTHROP or visit www.winthrop.org .