Consumer Reports: Sequoia Hospital Among Top 15 Hospitals Nationwide for Heart Surgery

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is among the top 15 hospitals in the country for heart surgery – and the highest rated in California, according to Consumer Reports hospital ratings released today.

The ratings of 400 hospitals across the U.S. are based on data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and address two common heart surgeries – coronary artery bypass and aortic valve replacement. Sequoia Hospital is the only hospital in California to receive "above average" marks, the highest possible, in both of those areas.

"Our Cardiac Surgery team is focused on quality care and positive outcomes for our patients," said Julie Biglieri, RN, BSN, MPA, CCRN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Sequoia Hospital. "To be rated highest in California is a testament to the dedication of our team."

The ratings are based on several factors, including data from patients' medical records showing whether they survived the procedure and how they fared on other important measures, such as complications, according to Consumer Reports. Although more than 1,000 hospitals report these data to STS, only 400 opted to also share outcomes with Consumer Reports.

"We wanted to be transparent and share our data to show the level of quality heart surgery at Sequoia," said Glenna Vaskelis, Sequoia Hospital President. "We're proud to offer the best cardiac care to our community."

About Sequoia Hospital

Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional health care for generations of Bay Area residents.

Recognized for superior and sustained clinical quality, the hospital received the 2013 America's 50 Best Hospitals Award™ and the 2013 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ from HealthGrades®, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Sequoia's Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally known pioneer in advanced cardiac care. The hospital was voted "A Family Favorite 2013 Best Birth Center and Best Hospital" by readers of Bay Area Parent magazine.

Sequoia Hospital's new Pavilion is opening to patients in the coming months. Overall, the new hospital campus is designed to meet the needs of future generations, carrying on a 60+ year tradition of providing award-winning care to the Bay Area community.

SOURCE Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital