Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital has been named the No. 1 Best Hospital in Utah by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

The recognition places St. George Regional Hospital among the nation's top-performing hospitals and reflects its longstanding commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients across Southern Utah and the surrounding region.

The hospital was rated for its strong performance in 18 adult procedures and conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), colon cancer surgery and ear, nose and throat surgery. Additionally, 92% of patients said they would recommend the hospital to others, reflecting strong performance in patient experience and quality of care.

"Every day, our caregivers, physicians, and support come together to provide exceptional care for the patients and families who trust us with their health, said Natalie Ashby, president of Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital. "This recognition reflects the dedication to improving outcomes, advancing the patient experience, and helping people live the healthiest lives possible. We are honored to serve as a healthcare resource for this region and grateful for the trust they place in us."

Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital serves as a major referral center for southwest Utah and the surrounding region, providing advanced specialty and tertiary care close to home. The hospital continues to invest in technology, innovation, and highly skilled caregivers to meet the growing healthcare needs of the communities it serves.

According to U.S. News & World Report, more than 4,400 hospitals were evaluated for this year's rankings, with only 505 hospitals earning recognition as Best Regional Hospitals across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

"This recognition speaks to our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest-quality care and creating a better experience for every patient we serve," Ashby said. "While rankings are meaningful, our focus remains on caring for our communities and ensuring every patient receives compassionate, personalized care.”

The complete 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings are available through U.S. News & World Report.

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U.S. News & World Report has named Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital the 2026-2027 Best Hospital in Colorado in its latest edition of Best Hospitals.

Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital also ranked as the No. 1 hospital in the Denver metro area, according to U.S. News & World Report.

For heart and vascular care, Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital ranked No. 1 in the metro area and across Colorado.

The hospital, which celebrates its 153rd anniversary this year, was noted as high performing in 21 specialties, procedures and conditions, including geriatric care and pulmonology and lung surgery.

“This recognition belongs to the physicians, nurses, caregivers, and leaders at Saint Joseph Hospital whose commitment to excellence, safety and compassion continues to raise the standard for health care across our state,” said Amy Blasing, president of Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital. “We are proud to be named the number one hospital in Colorado and remain focused on delivering outstanding care to every person who needs us as we have done for more than 150 years.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions; only 16% of evaluated hospitals earn a Best Hospitals designation.

“Having Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital named the top hospital in Colorado is a tremendous achievement,” said Scott Peek, Front Range market president for Intermountain Health. “This recognition not only speaks to the culture of excellence there, but also to the strength of our entire system. When one of our hospitals is recognized at this level, it reinforces the standards we strive for across every facility and every community we serve.”

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzes each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and patient experience.

The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

“A hospital named among the U.S. News Best Hospitals has demonstrated its commitment to high-quality care, especially in achieving successful outcomes for patients,” said Ben Harder, U.S. News’ managing editor and chief of health analysis. “A Best Hospitals recognition reflects consistent top-tier medical care to its community.”

U.S. News announced 505 Best Regional Hospitals that have demonstrated superior outcomes including Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital’s No. 1 ranking in Colorado. Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction ranked seventh in the state.

Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital was ranked fourth in Colorado for rehabilitation, and was rated high-performing in seven specialties, procedures and conditions.

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette was rated high-performing in seven specialties, procedures and conditions. Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge was rated high-performing in three specialties, procedures and conditions.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and X.

Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, Montana, has been recognized as a Magnet facility with Distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest honor internationally for nursing excellence and recognition of its outstanding safety and innovative care for patients. 

This is the second Magnet recognition for Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, which received the designation for the first time in 2021. 

In 2022, the ANCC introduced Magnet with Distinction to honor hospitals that go above and beyond the already rigorous standards of the Magnet Recognition Program. The distinction is reserved for hospitals that meet the highest levels of nursing excellence and quality patient care. 

The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their strategic goals to improve patient outcomes. Magnet facilities meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and are recognized for lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay and increased patient and staff satisfaction. 

Magnet facilities are also recognized for creating an exceptional environment for patient care, forward-thinking leadership and systems that empower staff at all levels to have a voice and grow professionally. These organizations actively seek to improve care using research, innovation and continuous improvement. 

With this recognition, Intermountain St. Vincent Hospital's nursing teams were specifically recognized for surpassing benchmarks in patient satisfaction, quality of care and nursing leadership certifications. 

“Achieving Magnet designation is the result of hard work and a relentless focus on high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Lee Boyles, president of Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital and Intermountain's Montana and Wyoming market. “I am thrilled our nurses at Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital have earned this prestigious designation once again. It is a testament to the exceptional care they provide to our community every day.” 

Magnet recognition means education and development through every career stage for nurses, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. For patients, it means the assurance of the best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be their best. 

“This recognition reflects the exceptional standards and practices of our nursing team,” said Janet Harris, chief nursing officer at Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital . “I am honored to be part of this extraordinary nursing team. I am so proud that we have not only maintained a Magnet level of care but have exceeded the high bar we set for ourselves by receiving designation with distinction. At St. Vincent, we don’t just talk about excellence — we demonstrate it, showing proven results in quality, safety and patient experience.” 

With this recognition with distinction, Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital  is among the leaders in nursing care in the country and globally. 

Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital is among fewer than 100 hospitals in the United States that have received Magnet with Distinction – and the first hospital in Montana to receive that honor.

Nine Intermountain Health hospitals were named to Modern Healthcare’s 2026 100 Top Hospitals list, based on an independent national quality analysis conducted by Premier, Inc.

Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, Utah) was ranked as one of the nation’s top teaching hospitals and was the only Utah hospital recognized in that category.

Intermountain St. George Regional, Intermountain McKay-Dee (Ogden, Utah), and Intermountain Utah Valley (Provo, Utah) hospitals were ranked among the nation’s top 100 hospitals in the Large Community Hospital category list. Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital was also ranked in the Medium Community Hospital category.

Intermountain Layton Hospital topped the Small Community Hospital list, being joined by Intermountain American Fork Hospital, Intermountain Alta View Hospital (Sandy, Utah), and Intermountain Riverton Hospital.

In addition, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, and Intermountain Layton Hospital were further honored as Everest Award Winners, a designation for hospitals that show both top performance and strong improvement over time on Premier’s balanced scorecard.

“We are gratified by this recognition because it shows the incredible work and dedication of our caregivers to provide high-quality care,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “This recognition validates that we are delivering on our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible and our vision to be a model health system.”

Modern Healthcare and Premier collect data from nearly 2,600 hospitals nationwide and apply a data-based methodology to identify top performers using a scorecard of clinical, operational, financial, and patient experience measures.

The results are supported by detailed insights and national benchmarks hospitals can use to improve care, strengthen financial sustainability, and improve outcomes. Measures include inpatient mortality and complication indexes, average length of stay, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes.

To see the full Modern Healthcare / Premier Top Hospitals List for 2026, go to https://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/mh-premier-100-top-hospitals-2026/.

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The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive and high-quality cardiovascular care. 

Saint Joseph Hospital was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence for meeting accreditation criteria and ongoing performance registry reporting. 

Hospitals and health systems that have earned a HeartCARE Center designation have met a rigorous set of criteria. This includes participation in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) registries and targeted quality improvement campaigns such as the Patient Navigator Program: Focus MI, which are designed to help hospitals and institutions close gaps in guideline-based care. 

Additionally, Saint Joseph Hospital has achieved NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, and is also accredited for Cardiac Cath Lab with PCI, Chest Pain Center with PCI and Resuscitation, and Transcatheter Valve. 

Saint Joseph Hospital is ranked as High Performing in Heart Attack care from US News and World Report for all procedures including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Aortic Valve Surgery, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Heart Bypass Surgery, and TAVR, and top star ratings as designated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), which places the hospital among the top hospitals in the nation. 

“This designation provides evidence of the elite status of Saint Joseph Hospital’s quality of cardiovascular care,” said Amy Blasing, president of Saint Joseph Hospital. 

“Saint Joseph Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Saint Joe’s with the HeartCARE Center designation.” 

Hospitals receiving the HeartCARE Center designation from the ACC have demonstrated their commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement. 

Saint Joseph Hospital has proven to be a forward-thinking institution with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement. 
 

U.S. News & World Report has named 26 Intermountain Health hospitals to its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care for mom and baby outcomes, education, and patient satisfaction.

The 26 Intermountain hospitals earned a high performing designation in maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies in areas such as cesarean sections in lower-risk pregnancies, vaginal births after cesarean-section (VBAC) rates, newborn severe complications rates, birthing friendly and education practices, and outcome disparities based on race/ethnicity, among other measures.

Intermountain Health has more hospitals named by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 than any other health system in the country.

Intermountain hospitals cited by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 include:

• Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Cassia Regional Hospital (Burley, Idaho)*
• Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Delta Community Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Garfield Memorial Hospital (Panguitch, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital (Miles City, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Layton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health LDS Hospital (Salt Lake City)
• Intermountain Health Logan Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital (Wheat Ridge, Colo.
• Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Orem Community Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Park City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital (Brighton, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital (Denver)
• Intermountain Health Sanpete Valley Hospital (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Sevier Valley Hospital (Richfield, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health St. James Hospital (Butte, Mont.)*
• Intermountain Health St. Mary's Hospital (Grand Junction, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Hospital (Billings, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital (Provo, Utah

"This recognition is meaningful because it reflects what families experience at the bedside: safe, consistent, high quality, compassionate care," said Sean Esplin, MD, a maternal fetal medicine physician and senior medical director of women’s health at Intermountain Health.

"Our clinical program has worked across hospitals to align on proven evidence-based care practices to lower cesarean-section rates in low‑risk pregnancies, thoughtfully support VBAC deliveries, reduce newborn complications, elevate patient education, and advance equity so every mother and baby can expect excellent outcomes," he added.

U.S. News also recognizes Maternity Care Access Hospitals, which provide maternity services to communities that might otherwise have inadequate access to maternity care, sometimes referred to as "maternity care deserts." The report identified 147 critical access hospitals in total, with nine Intermountain hospitals making the list (noted "*" above).

Intermountain  Health is determined to provide the highest quality care to pregnant and postpartum patients and their babies, by improving outcomes and access to care within its six-state region. For example, Intermountain recently announced an innovative care program for pregnant and postpartum women with hypertension, and published a study identifying hypertension risks during pregnancy.

Receiving this designation is evidence of the unwavering dedication of our nurses, physicians, midwives, and teams who show up for mothers and babies every day to deliver high‑quality care—and a reminder to keep improving together, for every family we serve,” added Dr. Esplin.

For more information regarding Intermountain Health pregnancy and maternity services, please visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/pregnancy.

Click here for more information about the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

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Intermountain Health has once again earned recognition as one of the nation’s safest health systems for patients, according to  the Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare safety and quality measurement organization that recently  unveiled its 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. 

This national recognition highlights Intermountain Health’s commitment to the safety of its patients and caregivers by prioritizing processes to prevent patient harm and medical errors.  

Of the 20 Intermountain hospitals evaluated by Leapfrog, 14 received an “A” while six Intermountain hospitals earned a “B” rating, underscoring Intermountain’s consistent safety performance across all communities and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

The Leapfrog survey considered anything that could bring possible harm to patients, such as infections, medical errors, accidents, or injuries. The Leapfrog survey also examines processes and tools that hospitals have in place to prevent harm in the first place. 

It then assigns an “A” through “F” grade, based on the hospital’s performance. 

2025 "A" Safety Grade hospitals include:

• Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital (Lafayette, Colo.)
• Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, Utah)
• Intermountain Health LDS Hospital (Salt Lake City)
• Intermountain Health Logan Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital (Wheat Ridge, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Park City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital (Billings, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital (Provo, Utah)

 “These results speak to the dedication of every caregiver and leader at Intermountain, and to our shared commitment to being national leaders in clinical excellence,” said Cara Camiolo, MD, chief quality & safety officer for Intermountain Health. “Whether a hospital achieved an ‘A’ or made meaningful gains this cycle, each story points to the same aspiration: progress happens when every person, in every role, owns their part in advancing safety, reliability, and better outcomes for our patients.” 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 22 national measures of patient safety from CMS, NHSN, and the Leapfrog Hospital Survey to assess how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors. The survey methodology has been peer reviewed and published in the Journal of Patient Safety. Intermountain Health caregivers are continually training for all aspects of patient safety in healthcare. 

There are also protocols in place that encourage caregivers to speak up and raise concerns if they see something which could put someone at risk, noted Dr. Camilio. 

To see the full Leapfrog list of hospitals and their grades, go to https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/. 

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Sixteen Intermountain Health hospitals have received Vizient’s 2025 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Awards for demonstrating excellence in high-quality clinical and patient care.   

Three Intermountain Health hospitals – Intermountain Fillmore Community, Intermountain Park City, and Intermountain St. George Regional – were ranked number one in the country within their respective categories. 

Vizient, a leading health care performance improvement company, ranked the Intermountain hospitals as top health care performers in their annual Quality and Accountability Study, which looked at data from 1,220 hospitals across the United States. 

The study measured quality of patient care based in six factors: patient safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness and variation in care. 

“These awards affirm that the priorities Intermountain is committed to (safety, high reliability, quality, and patient-centeredness) are not just aspirations, but realities taking hold across our system,” said Cara Camiolo, MD, chief quality and safety officer for Intermountain Health. “This recognition is the direct result of exceptional dedication and hard work of our frontline caregivers and managers delivering high-quality care." 

Intermountain Health hospitals were ranked in the following categories: 

Comprehensive Academic Medical Center   

• Intermountain Medical Center: #4  

Critical Access Hospital   

• Intermountain Health Fillmore Community Hospital: #1  

• Intermountain Health Cassia Regional Hospital: #6  

• Intermountain Health Heber Community Hospital: #11  

Complex Care Medical Center   

• Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital: #13  

Community Hospital   

• Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital: #2 

• Intermountain Health LDS Hospital: #6  

Large, Specialized Complex Care Medical Center  

• Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital: #1  

• Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital: #4  

• Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital: #13  

Small Community Hospital   

• Intermountain Health Park City Hospital: #1  

• Intermountain Health Layton Hospital: #2  

• Intermountain Health Sevier Valley Hospital: #4  

• Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital: #9  

• Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital: #16  

• Intermountain Health Alta View Hospital: #18 

The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.  

The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study helps participating hospitals and health systems understand their performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity.  

The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. 

To see the full list of hospitals on this year’s list, click here. 

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El Centro Estadounidense de Acreditación de Enfermeras (ANCC, por sus siglas en inglés) reconoció al St. George Regional Hospital de Intermountain Health como institución Magnet, el más alto honor en excelencia en enfermería como reconocimiento por su destacada seguridad e innovadora atención para pacientes.

El Programa de Reconocimiento Magnet nombra a organizaciones de todo el mundo en las que los líderes de enfermería alinean de manera exitosa las metas estratégicas de enfermería para mejorar los resultados de los pacientes de la organización.

Las instalaciones Magnet cumplen rigurosos estándares de excelencia en enfermería y se las reconoce por tener las tasas más bajas de mortalidad, las estadías más cortas y una mayor satisfacción de los pacientes y del personal. Se reconoció al St. George Regional Hospital por el alto nivel de compromiso del personal de enfermería y las puntuaciones de calidad en la atención de los pacientes internados.

“Obtener el estado Magnet requiere visión y dedicación”, afirmó Natlie Ashby, presidenta del St. George Regional Hospital.  “Estoy encantada de que nuestro personal de enfermería del St. George Regional Hospital haya obtenido este prestigioso nombramiento. Su arduo trabajo y compasión son realmente admirables y estoy extremadamente agradecida por la atención excepcional que brindan a nuestra comunidad todos los días”.

El estado Magnet es importante tanto para los cuidadores como para el personal de enfermería. El reconocimiento Magnet significa capacitación y desarrollo en todas las etapas de la carrera profesional, lo que deriva en una mayor autonomía en la atención al paciente. Para los pacientes, significa la garantía de recibir la mejor atención, que el personal de enfermería presta gracias al apoyo necesario para brindar lo mejor.

“Estamos muy orgullosos de que el St. George Regional Hospital haya obtenido el nombramiento Magnet, un honor que refleja los más altos estándares de excelencia clínica, compromiso de los cuidadores y atención compasiva”, indicó Mandy Richards, doctora en enfermería (DNP, por sus siglas en inglés), enfermera registrada (RN, por sus siglas en inglés), directora ejecutiva de enfermería de Intermountain Health. “Este reconocimiento importante es una prueba del estupendo trabajo que nuestro personal de enfermería realiza todos los días para cuidar a nuestros pacientes y comunidades. Estamos sumamente agradecidos por la dedicación, la habilidad y los resultados excepcionales que ayudan a conseguir”.

Aproximadamente el 10 % de los hospitales de todo el país logran alcanzar este nombramiento. Este es el tercer hospital de Utah en recibir el estado Magnet, el segundo hospital de Intermountain después del Primary Children’s Hospital de Intermountain Health y el séptimo hospital de Intermountain en total.

“El reconocimiento Magnet refleja los estándares y las prácticas excepcionales que mantiene nuestro equipo de enfermería”, afirmó Reuben Evans, director de enfermería del St. George Regional Hospital. “Es motivo de orgullo para nosotros, ya que destaca la atención compasiva e innovadora que presta nuestro personal de enfermería todos los días. Además, es un honor formar parte de este distinguido grupo de proveedores de atención médica”.

La Academia Estadounidense de Enfermería (American Academy of Nursing) desarrolló el Programa de Reconocimiento Magnet para destacar a los hospitales que fueron capaces de atraer y retener a los mejores profesionales de enfermería.

Las instituciones Magnet demuestran excelencia en cinco áreas:

• Liderazgo transformador
• Empoderamiento estructural
• Práctica profesional ejemplar
• Nuevos conocimientos, innovaciones y mejoras
• Resultados empíricos

En el informe del ANCC se señaló que los cuidadores del St. George Regional Hospital obtuvieron resultados superiores en distintas áreas, incluida la baja incidencia de infecciones de las vías urinarias, infecciones del torrente sanguíneo y errores quirúrgicos, entre otras.

Puede obtener más información sobre el St. George Regional Hospital en intermountainhealth.org. 

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Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital has been recognized as a Magnet Facility^® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – the highest honor internationally for nursing excellence and recognition of its outstanding safety and innovative care for patients.

The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes. This also includes interprofessional teams, as well.

Magnet facilities meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and are recognized because they have lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, and increased patient and staff satisfaction. 

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital was also recognized for having high nurse engagement and inpatient quality scores.

"Achieving Magnet Designation requires vision and dedication,” said Natalie Ashby, president of Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital.  “I am thrilled our nurses at St. George Regional Hospital have earned this prestigious designation. Their hard work and compassion are truly commendable, and I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional care they provide to our community every day."

The Magnet designation is important for the caregivers as for nurses. Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. To patients, it means the assurance of the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be.

“We are incredibly proud that Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital has earned Magnet Designation – an honor that reflects the highest standards of clinical excellence, caregiver engagement, and compassionate care,” said Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health. “This important recognition is a testament to the extraordinary work our nurses do every day to care for our patients and communities. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, skill, and the exceptional outcomes they help make possible.”

Approximately 10 percent of the hospitals globally achieve the designation. This is the third hospital in Utah to receive Magnet Designation, the second Intermountain hospital after Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital, and the seventh overall Intermountain Hospital.

"Magnet Recognition reflects the exceptional standards and practices upheld by our nursing team,” said Reuben Evans, chief nursing officer for Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. “It is a proud moment for us, as it highlights the compassionate and innovative care our nurses deliver every day. We are honored to be part of this distinguished group of healthcare providers."

The Magnet Recognition Program^® was developed by the American Academy of Nursing to highlight hospitals that could attract and retain top nursing professionals.

Magnet facilities demonstrate excellence in five areas:

• Transformational Leadership
• Structural Empowerment
• Exemplary Professional Practice
• New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements
• Empirical Outcomes

The ANCC report noted that St. George Regional Hospital’s caregivers outperformed in several areas, including low urinary tract infections, blood stream infections, low surgical errors, among others.

Learn more about Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital at intermountainhealth.org. 

Two executive chefs from Intermountain Health have been named as one of five finalist teams in the U.S. to qualify for a national culinary competition of healthcare and senior dining chefs hosted by the Association for Healthcare Food Services (AHF) and held in New Orleans Aug. 21-23.

The annual competition highlights the best chefs in healthcare and senior dining facilities who are re-defining the industry with their self-operated culinary services that design and create their meals in-house rather than contracting with a food service company.

Intermountain Health’s Executive Chef Roberto Rodriguez, based in Salt Lake City, and Executive Chef Joseph Westley, based near Denver, will represent Intermountain Health during the live competition.

Finalist teams were selected from a record-breaking number of submissions across the country through a blind review process and were evaluated by industry leaders using a standardized scoring rubric based on the official competition rules. Criteria include strict adherence to nutritional and cost guidelines, as well as recipe quality, technical skill, and culinary innovation.

To qualify, each team selected ingredients from two curated market baskets and turned them into a delicious, nutritious dish that costs less than $2 and has reduced sodium, fat, and calorie levels. The goal is to impress the judges with not only taste and flavors, but also with a variety of colors, textures, and artistic presentation.

The dish prepared by the Intermountain executive chefs includes recipes for Pan-fried Andouille Crab Cakes, Pecan Sweet Potato Mash, Eggplant Dirty Rice with Red Bean Sauce and Remoulade Sauce, topped with an Okra Relish.

“My inspiration for the dish was my previous trips to New Orleans, one of my favorite cities in the world,” said Chef Rodriguez. “I wanted to put as much of the heart of New Orleans cuisine on one plate as possible. I tried to incorporate different components of the traditional dishes the area is known for such as red beans and rice, dirty rice, and crab cakes.”

“To bring the dish to life, we used a variety of classic cooking techniques including sautéing, boiling, pan-searing, puréeing, and emulsifying,” he added.

“This dish will not only make you excited, but it will also make your taste buds excited,” said Chef Westley. “The competition is done in pairs because two sets of hands are better than one in the kitchen. This allows chefs to divide up the workload so we can focus on quality and sanitation.”

The two chefs came together in Utah recently to practice their dishes. The details of the recipes will be available from Intermountain Health and AHF after the competition in August.

Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system that serves approximately 35,000 meals daily to patients, caregivers, and visitors. Intermountain’s culinary services staff includes more than 1,600 caregivers supporting guests and communities at health facilities in the Intermountain West.

Intermountain Health’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is a vital part of healing, well-being, and community. Intermountain chefs and culinary service staff aim to deliver meals that are not only nutritious and safe but also comforting and culturally attuned to the diverse populations of patients, caregivers, and guests we serve.

Intermountain Health’s culinary goal is to create a dining experience that supports recovery, energizes staff, and fosters a welcoming environment. This commitment is reflected in a focus on culinary innovation, minimally manipulated ingredients, sustainability, and service excellence—ensuring every plate contributes to our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

For more information about culinary career opportunities at Intermountain Health click here.

Vegas Inc. released their 2025 “40 Under 40” award list that honors 42 people from many sectors in the Las Vegas area and Meghan Fitzgibbons, practice director for cardiovascular services in Las Vegas for Intermountain Health, was named to the prestigious list.

The publication lists that the honorees “are the performers, real estate agents, doctors, teachers, philanthropists, leaders and changemakers who make the community one of diversity, growth and vibrancy.”

Fitzgibbons career with Intermountain Health began in 2023 as the first nurse manager for cardiology in Nevada, before she quickly found herself in leadership roles in cardiology for Intermountain's Desert Region – which serves Nevada and Southwest Utah.

“I have worked with thousands of health care professionals and many clinical leaders throughout my career and where Meghan stands out is her fierce determination to know, her indomitable drive to do, and her genuine concern of who she’s doing it for,” said James Neider, executive director with Intermountain’s medical group. “She can talk the talk with legal, strategy, accounting, medical, clinical, virtually every heath care discipline. She works tirelessly and yields highly valuable results. I’m very grateful to be able to work with her and learn from her each day.”

The drive for a healthcare career began as a child she said as her mother had significant health challenges when she was little that kept her in the hospital for considerable time.

“The nurses in the hospital made going there to see her not at all scary, and even rather fun for my sister and I – everything they did to take care of us and my mum seemed like magic, and I wanted to be part of that,” Fitzgibbons said.

Her focus on her career and leadership has been about helping ease the burdens from her teams to keep focus on patient care.

“As rewarding as working at the front lines of healthcare can be, it’s also very hard work. Simplifying processes and removing barriers to make it as easy as possible my teams to do their jobs, to achieve clinical excellence, and be able to spend as much meaningful face time with patients and their families as possible is my goal,” Fitzgibbons said.

She received her award at Vegas Inc's annual ceremony and is honored in the publication.

“Earning this award is honestly such an honor, and I was honestly quite speechless when I got the initial notification that I had been selected as a 2025 Honoree,” Fitzgibbons said. “To me, it’s a profound recognition that the community honors and respects the work we are doing to change and improve the landscape of healthcare in Las Vegas.” 

The 40 Under 40 Award entire list can be found at the Vegas Inc. website.

Tres hospitales de Intermountain Health han sido clasificado como número uno en sus categorías por Premier y la revista Fortune como parte de su lista nacional de los 100 mejores hospitales para 2025. 

El Intermountain Medical Center de Murray ocupa el primer lugar en el país entre los principales hospitales de enseñanza. El Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital está clasificado como el mejor hospital comunitario grande del país y el Intermountain Layton Hospital como el mejor hospital comunitario pequeño. 

Además, otros seis hospitales Intermountain de Utah se encuentran entre los mejores centros del país en la lista de los 100 mejores hospitales de Premier/Fortune de este año. 

“Gracias al increíble trabajo y dedicación de nuestros cuidadores y a la atención de alta calidad que ofrecen, muchos de nuestros centros de Intermountain Health se encuentran entre los mejores hospitales del país, incluidos tres que ocupan el primer puesto en sus categorías”, afirma Rob Allen, presidente y director ejecutivo de Intermountain Health. “Este reconocimiento es muy gratificante porque demuestra que estamos cumpliendo nuestra visión de ser un sistema de salud modelo que se compromete a ayudar a las personas de las comunidades que atendemos a vivir de la manera más saludable posible”. 

La clasificación de Premier/Fortune se realiza mediante el análisis de los datos disponibles al público general de casi 2600 hospitales en todo el país para determinar los centros que tienen mejor desempeño en cuanto a resultados clínicos, experiencia del paciente, eficiencia operativa y bienestar económico. 

En la investigación que se realizó para elaborar la clasificación se reveló que, si todos los hospitales del país funcionaran al mismo nivel que los clasificados entre los 100 mejores, se salvarían 331,000 vidas más, habría 611,000 complicaciones menos y se ahorrarían $15,000 millones en costos de hospitalización. 

La lista anual de los 100 mejores hospitales de Premier/Fortune se divide en varias categorías. Hay 40 puestos para hospitales de enseñanza y los 60 restantes son para hospitales comunitarios. 

Otros hospitales de Intermountain Health que se encuentran en la lista de los 100 mejores son los siguientes: 
- Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital 
- Intermountain Alta View Hospital en Sandy 
- Intermountain American Fork Hospital 
- Intermountain Cedar City Hospital 
- Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital 
- Intermountain Riverton Hospital 

Para ver la lista completa de los Mejores hospitales de 2025 según Premier/Fortune, haga clic aquí. 

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Three Intermountain Health hospitals are ranked number one in their categories by Premier and Fortune Magazine as part of their Top 100 Hospitals national rankings for 2025.

Intermountain Medical Center in Murray is ranked first in the nation among major teaching hospitals. Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is ranked as the nation’s top large community hospital, and Intermountain Layton Hospital is ranked as the top small community hospital.

Additionally, six other Intermountain hospitals throughout Utah are ranked among the nation’s best facilities on this year’s Premier/Fortune Top 100 hospitals list.

“It’s because of the incredible work and dedication of our caregivers and the high-quality care they provide that so many of our Intermountain Health facilities are considered among the nation’s premier hospitals, including three ranked number one in their categories,” said Rob Allen, president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Health. “This recognition is especially gratifying because it shows that we are delivering on our vision to be a model health system that’s committed to helping people in the communities we serve live the healthiest lives possible.”

The Premier / Fortune rankings are compiled by analyzing publicly available data from nearly 2,600 hospitals across the nation to determine top performing facilities in clinical outcomes, patient experience, operational efficiency, and financial health.

Research for the rankings found that if all the nation’s hospitals operated at the same level as these facilities ranked among the Top 100 hospitals, 331,000 additional lives would be saved, there would be 611,000 fewer patient complications, and $15 billion in-patient costs could be saved.

The annual Premier / Fortune Top 100 Hospitals list is broken down into multiple categories with 40 being for teaching hospitals, and the remaining 60 slots for community hospitals.

Other Intermountain Health hospitals making this year’s Top 100 list are:

• Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital
• Intermountain Alta View Hospital in Sandy
• Intermountain American Fork Hospital
• Intermountain Cedar City Hospital
• Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital
• Intermountain Riverton Hospital

To see the full Premier / Fortune Top Hospitals List for 2025, click here.

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Four Intermountain Health Hospitals have been named Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals for 2025, according to a new national study by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, Intermountain Park City Hospital, Intermountain Bear River Valley Hospital, and Intermountain Sevier Valley Hospital all made this year’s list.

“Across the country so many rural communities are underserved for healthcare, so having four Intermountain Health hospitals on this national list demonstrates that our efforts to improve health in all communities that we serve is working,” said Lori Weston, president of Intermountain Park City Hospital.

Thanks to telehealth and other innovations, Intermountain continues to bring expert care to rural communities. Several specialty health services are now available at these rural facilities, so patients don’t have to travel long distances to get the care they need.

Telehealth services and virtual care has been especially helpful when treating cancer patients who can have virtual appointments with experts far away. These innovations have also helped emergency room doctors respond faster in critical situations because they have access to experts who can guide treatment faster.

“The Top 100 award program elevates the very best performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve,” said Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This is our 10th year honoring the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these milestones with this year’s winners.”

The annual study is meant to highlight rural and community hospitals that can serve as an example to other hospitals seeking to improve healthcare in the communities they serve. Chartis uses publicly available data, along with their own system and metrics, to measure the performance of hospitals.

To see the Chartis full list of Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals for 2025, click here.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Intermountain Health in Nevada as a 2024 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion for the health system’s efforts to enhance the health of patients by reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

This is the first time any health system has earned this distinction in Nevada. 

"We’re thrilled to earn this important milestone. Intermountain is helping elevate Nevada's quality of healthcare, and this award acknowledges that dedication and impact on our community," said Cara Camiolo, MD, chief medical officer for Intermountain Health in Nevada. "Being the first Nevada Hypertension Control Champion means we can set the standard and continue to raise the bar for essential heart health care."  

The Million Hearts Hypertension Control Challenge recognizes clinicians, practices, and health systems that achieve blood pressure control for at least 80 percent of their patients who have hypertension. Intermountain Health is among 31 other health organizations to receive this distinction in 2024 in the United States.  

“Being recognized as Nevada’s first CDC’s Million Hearts Hypertension Champion is an incredible honor,” said Kristopher Dalton, Director of Clinical Quality in Nevada. “This achievement underscores our commitment to improving heart health and demonstrates the impactful work we are doing to manage and prevent hypertension in our community. This was truly a team effort across primary care, specialty care, and administrative caregivers. This success spans all patient lines of business, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial populations. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of so many of our valley’s residents. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which can result in disability for millions of adults in the United States. Many adults diagnosed with hypertension do not have their condition under control.  

“This is an incredible distinction from the CDC,” said Blake Gardner, MD, senior medical director of the cardiovascular clinical program for Intermountain Health. “Being the first to accomplish this in Nevada makes this honor even more remarkable and is a result of our collaborative, multi-care team approach to manage hypertension with our patients in Nevada. We are proud of the outcome as it makes a clear difference in the lives of our community members.”

Intermountain is committed to reducing hypertension and cardiological risks for all patients in primary and specialty care settings.

"Our standard is to do a second blood pressure check on every patient at every visit, not just patients who have an elevated blood pressure when they arrive in clinic,” said Meghan Fitzgibbons, practice director for Intermountain Health in Nevada. “We engage all of our clinical caregivers in this work to ensure every patient gets that recheck before they leave their appointment.” 

Additionally, Intermountain recently launched a specialized hypertension clinic in October 2024 (embedded within the Sunset Cardiology Clinic in Las Vegas).

The clinic was started to provide a home for patient focused treatment plans directed by up-to-date guidelines, with a goal to reduce hypertension hospitalizations. 

This is the second time Million Hearts has recognized an Intermountain Health clinic as a Hypertension Control Champion. In 2019, the Intermountain Moroni Clinic in Utah received the same recognition.  

Multiple southwest Utah clinics have been honored by the Utah Million Hearts Coalition for excellence in blood pressure management and measurement.  

About Million Hearts: Million Hearts® is a national initiative, co-led by CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Learn more about Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions. 

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On October 29, Utah Business and Roseman University announced their annual Healthcare Heroes Awards with two notable recipients: Lisa Nichols, from Intermountain Health, and Dawn Wright, from Select Health.

This annual award celebrates individuals making significant contributions to improving healthcare in Utah. Both Nichols and Wright were honored among five recipients in the Community Outreach category for their involvements to help improve community health through their advocacy and outreach throughout Utah

Nichols has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to addressing health disparities and ensuring access for underrepresented communities.

As Vice President of Community Health, Nichols leads the Community Health portfolio, which includes Intermountain’s Community Health Needs Assessments. The work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and health disparities through community-based collaborations and strategic philanthropy.

In addition, Nichols supports Intermountain’s initiatives to serve as an anchor institution, ensuring the organization deploys its assets to address Intermountain’s mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible through local hiring, local sourcing, impact investing, and sustainability.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the Intermountain Health team and the strong collaborations built within our communities,” said Lisa Nichols. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for this honor and for recognizing the importance of our work in creating a healthier, more equitable future."

Throughout her career, Dawn Wright has combined leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to expanding healthcare access. Her early career began with leading marketing efforts at the Salvation Army in Southern California, where she amplified the organization's mission to support vulnerable populations. Later, as Director of Marketing & Communications for Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City, she continued her advocacy for children with orthopedic conditions.   

Currently, as the Director of Community and Public Relations at Select Health, the nonprofit insurance arm of Intermountain Health, Wright oversees charity giving, community programs, and partnerships that increase healthcare accessibility. In 2023 alone, her leadership helped direct more than $1 million in contributions for initiatives addressing housing, food security, access to care, positively impacting lives across Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. 

Under her guidance, Select Health has collaborated with more than 200 community organizations and businesses to promote healthcare initiatives, expanding its programs to new markets. Her efforts have reinforced the importance of community giving as a core value within the healthcare system. 

Wright has also driven key initiatives such as the Select Health Awards, which annually supports ten Utah organizations dedicated to health, and Brain Body Boost, a school-based program promoting healthy behaviors. Additionally, she oversees the Select Health Scholarship Program, providing financial aid and mentorship to Salt Lake Community College students pursuing healthcare careers. 

"Dawn has an exceptional ability to mobilize people and resources to drive meaningful change in communities we serve," said Nate Foco, Select Health chief marketing and strategy officer. "Her leadership has expanded access to care, resources, and support services for countless individuals across the Mountain West. She has elevated our outreach efforts and created lasting relationships that have significantly strengthened our impact in the region.” 

In 2023, Wright produced Select Health’s first-ever Community Impact Report, highlighting the success of her team’s initiatives. She exemplifies how a strong leader can mobilize resources and partnerships to create lasting change in healthcare. 

"I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Healthcare Hero by Utah Business. This acknowledgment reflects not just my passion for service, but the collective effort of my team and our community in striving for better health and well-being,” said Dawn Wright, Select Health director of community and public relations. “By fostering strong community relations and supporting accessible healthcare, we can empower individuals to lead healthier lives. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive." 

Nichols and Wright will be a part of the October 2024 issue of Utah Business magazine with the other winners. The digital edition can be viewed when published at utahbusiness.com.

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Además, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital ocupa el puesto número 1 a nivel nacional en resultados de neurología y neurocirugía por tercer año consecutivo. 

“Desde nuestra prestigiosa designación como Magnet Hospital en enfermería, hasta nuestros resultados de primer nivel en neurología y neurocirugía, y la excelencia continua en procedimientos cardíacos complejos, las clasificaciones de este año reflejan nuestra búsqueda incansable de la excelencia para los pacientes a quienes atendemos”, manifestó Dustin Lipson, presidente del Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus. 

 Las clasificaciones de U.S. News & World Report identifican los 50 mejores hospitales pediátricos del país en 11 especialidades, lo que les permite a los pacientes, sus familias y proveedores de atención médica tomar decisiones informadas sobre su atención. 

 U.S. News clasificó a Intermountain Primary Children’s entre los 25 mejores en las siguientes especialidades:

• Neurología y Neurocirugía, n.º 10 (con resultados de pacientes clasificados como los mejores del país)
• Cardiología y Cirugía del corazón, n.º 15
• Nefrología, n.º 22
• Gastroenterología y Cirugía GI, n.º 25

 Además, Intermountain Primary Children’s está clasificado en todas las demás especialidades evaluadas para los Mejores Hospitales Pediátricos, que incluyen:

• Salud del comportamiento
• Cáncer
• Diabetes y trastornos endocrinos
• Atención neonatal
• Ortopedia
• Neumología
• Urología

Los servicios de neurología y neurocirugía altamente calificados del hospital trajeron esperanza y sanación a Owen Jacobsen, un niño de 12 años de St. George, Utah, que comenzó a tener convulsiones inexplicables a los 11 años.

Empezaron como sensaciones extrañas en el brazo izquierdo y avanzaron hasta llegar al temblor.

Cuando tuvo una aparente convulsión tónico-clónica en casa, “fue larga y violenta”, recordó su madre, Rindi Jacobsen.

Y lo que fue peor, Owen permaneció consciente durante la convulsión, y pensó que estaba muriendo.

Las tomografías cerebrales que tomaron en el departamento de emergencias mostraron un quiste común, y se pensó que la convulsión era un incidente aislado. Pero Owen tuvo otra convulsión dos días después.

“Ese fue el comienzo de una de las experiencias más aterradoras de nuestras vidas”, dijo su madre.

Las convulsiones empeoraron e interfirieron con el rendimiento escolar y las actividades de Owen, un niño brillante y activo. Tuvo dificultades para tocar el corno francés porque le provocaba dolores de cabeza. Los medicamentos lo hacían sentir somnoliento. El fútbol competitivo y la natación se volvieron demasiado, al igual que la escuela presencial, por lo que Owen cambió a clases en línea.

El padre de Owen, dermatólogo, sintió que algo no estaba bien y pidió a los médicos que revisaran nuevamente las imágenes de Owen. Fue entonces cuando identificaron un tumor junto al quiste en el cerebro.

Derivaron a Owen al Intermountain Primary Children’s en Salt Lake City, donde conoció al neurocirujano pediátrico Robert Bollo, MD, de University of Utah Health y del Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

“El Dr. Bollo ha sido amable, compasivo y profesional desde el primer momento en que lo conocimos”, remarcó la madre de Owen. “Nos entusiasmamos con las opciones quirúrgicas que ofreció para Owen y la manera en que nos tranquilizó como familia, asegurándonos que podría ayudarlo. Inmediatamente sentimos que estábamos en buenas manos: manos increíblemente hábiles, quirúrgicas y brillantes”.

Owen se sometió a un procedimiento altamente especializado llamado Terapia Térmica Intersticial con Láser (LITT). Este procedimiento se utiliza en lugar de una craneotomía, que es mucho más invasiva, con un tiempo de recuperación más prolongado y mayor riesgo de problemas cognitivos posteriores.

Se ofrece en pocos hospitales pediátricos en todo el país; los cirujanos que realizan LITT usan una sonda con fibras especiales que se insertan por un pequeño orificio en el cráneo y se guían por imágenes en una máquina iMRI. La tecnología permitió al Dr. Bollo asegurarse de eliminar solo las células cancerosas y dejar intactas las estructuras cerebrales saludables.

Funcionó.

“Las convulsiones no eran divertidas”, exclamaba Owen, “y después de la cirugía, desaparecieron”. 

Owen pudo comenzar séptimo grado con sus compañeros en la escuela Sunrise Ridge Intermediate.  Ahora forma parte del equipo de MATHCOUNTS, el equipo de natación y el consejo estudiantil. Anda en bicicleta y volvió a tocar el corno francés en la banda de la escuela.

“Ha vuelto a ser él mismo y está muy bien, viviendo una vida feliz y vibrante”, agregó su madre. “Está mejor que nunca. Está prosperando, y sentimos tanta gratitud y esperanza de que esta experiencia ya esté en el pasado. Es un milagro”. 

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, el hospital de enseñanza de especialidades pediátricas de la  University of Utah School of Medicine, ha sido clasificado como el número 1 en el país por sus resultados en neurología y neurocirugía durante cuatro de los últimos cinco años.

“Estamos comprometidos con mejorar continuamente la atención clínica y ayudar a que los pacientes de Primary Children’s prosperen. Como resultado, estamos reclutando a algunos de los mejores médicos del país para nuestros equipos", observó Angelo P. Giardino, MD, PhD, presidente del Departamento de Pediatría de la University of Utah School of Medicine y director médico del Primary Children’s Hospital. “Este reconocimiento nacional independiente subraya nuestro compromiso y nuestro destacado trabajo en equipo para brindar una atención de alta calidad y compasiva a los niños”.

Novedad de este año: Best Children’s Hospitals incluyó por primera vez una clasificación en servicios de salud del comportamiento, una lista que incluye al Intermountain Primary Children’s.

Mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental es parte de la Primary Promise de Intermountain Health para crear el modelo de sistema de salud infantil del país, que también incluye trabajos para fortalecer el Primary Children’s Hospital.

Esta oportunidad de invertir en el futuro de la salud de nuestros niños ha atraído $600 millones en una poderosa asociación entre filántropos de la comunidad e Intermountain Health. Aún se necesita apoyo filantrópico para ayudar a que más niños sobrevivan y prosperen, como Owen.

“No buscaría atención en otro lugar, iría directamente al Primary Children’s Hospital”, confirmó Rindi Jacobsen. “Sabíamos que si lográbamos llegar a Primary Children’s, sería lo mejor para nosotros. Nos sentimos reconfortados desde el momento en que conseguimos una cita allí”.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y videos disponibles a pedido.

 In recognizing Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital, Becker’s cited the hospital for its clinical excellence, commitment to patient safety, innovative initiatives, research and innovation, and high levels of patient satisfaction.

 “We are honored to be included on Becker’s list of America’s greatest hospitals, among so many other renowned hospitals,” said Judy Williamson, president of Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. “This national recognition represents our caregivers’ tireless dedication and commitment to safety, high quality of care, and innovation that benefits our patients and all of the communities throughout northern Utah.”

 Hospitals on the Becker’s Greatest Hospitals list are known for their leadership in the healthcare field, top tier clinical work, commitment to patient outcomes and safety, innovative advancements, and overall performance across various specialties.

 In selecting hospitals for the annual list, Becker’s editorial staff considers and reviews hospitals’ recent awards, achievements, rankings, and ratings such as U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades awards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings and The Leapfrog Group safety grades.

 Intermountain McKay-Dee has 310 beds and offers care in 63 specialties, serves as a Level II trauma center, has received recognition for its nationally ranked clinical programs, and has been named one of the nation’s Top 100 hospitals by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.

 “Our services are among the top in the nation, including our expanded Intermountain Cancer Center at McKay-Dee Hospital, dedicated to high-quality patient care and safety standards,” said Williamson. “As a vital community partner, Intermountain McKay-Dee is committed to promoting overall wellness and superior patient outcomes. We’re grateful to have those efforts validated by our patients and others, such as Becker’s Hospital Review.”

 For a complete list of the Becker’s “Greatest Hospitals in America”, go here.

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Intermountain Health was recognized as the top healthcare employer in Nevada in the 2024 Forbes Best Employers. This is the first time Intermountain Health has landed on the Forbes list for Nevada.

Overall, Intermountain was sixth employer rated among all companies in the Silver State. 

“The Forbes recognition is a tremendous honor for Intermountain in Nevada, as our vision is to be the model health system, we also strive to be the model employer as well,” said Tracy Stanford, Intermountain region vice-president of Human Resources. “When we focus on our caregivers here, that also translates to better patient care for the communities.”

Intermountain entered the Nevada area with the acquisition of Healthcare Partners in mid-2019. Now, the healthcare system has over 65 clinics in Southern Nevada, stretched from Pahrump to Mesquite.

A new 90,000 square foot healthcare facility, the Badura Clinic, was also recently announced with a groundbreaking in May. This new building that is located southwest Las Vegas will house numerous clinics and services including pediatrics, women’s health, adult primary care, senior primary care, and cancer care that includes radiation and oncology.

“We also have amplified our recruiting efforts for nursing and providers to help increase access to healthcare here in the state,” Stanford said.

The Forbes recognition is a standout award as the recognition is based on employee scores.

“Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 160,000 employees working for companies with at least 500 people within the United States,” Forbes Best Employers methodology website listed about the evaluation process.

The questions ask specifically ask employees if they recommend the companies by a 10-point scale. They also are asked to evaluate the companies that respondent worked at in the past two years.

To view the entire list, visit Forbes Best Employers By State recognition website.

To find job openings with Intermountain Health, explore careers here.

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Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, strokes were the sixth leading cause of death in 2020.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

The Get With the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. This program helps improve stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

The Intermountain Health team of specialists has developed protocols that shorten the amount of time it takes to diagnose and treat a stroke. This is important because a quick diagnosis and treatment can mean less long-term damage, less disability, and better overall outcomes.

Intermountain Health offers a full spectrum of specialized care that ranges from neuro critical care through acute care and into rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. 

“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our team of physicians, APPs, nurses, and technicians to the community we are so honored to serve. We have a saying in neurology that ‘Time is Brain’, because the sooner we treat stroke patients, the better their outcomes will be,” said Katherine Thomas, MD, chief medical officer for Intermountain Medical Center.

“We are committed to continually assessing and refining our stroke processes while leveraging our incredible caregivers to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality stroke care.” 

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Intermountain Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With the Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Intermountain Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award, the AHA’s Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award, and the AHA’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award.

To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. Additionally, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.

“Intermountain Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Thomas. “The Get With the Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our community experience longer, healthier lives.”

The Target: Type 2 Diabetes program aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

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El accidente cerebrovascular es la quinta causa principal de muerte y una de las principales causas de discapacidad en los Estados Unidos. Según el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Utah, los accidentes cerebrovasculares fueron la sexta causa principal de muerte en 2020.

Un accidente cerebrovascular ocurre cuando un vaso sanguíneo que transporta oxígeno y nutrientes al cerebro está bloqueado por un coágulo o se rompe. Cuando eso sucede, una parte del cerebro no puede obtener la sangre y el oxígeno que necesita, por lo que las células cerebrales mueren. La detección y el tratamiento tempranos del accidente cerebrovascular son clave para mejorar la supervivencia, minimizar la discapacidad y acelerar los tiempos de recuperación.

Get With the Guidelines pone la experiencia de la Asociación Americana del Corazón y la Asociación Americana de Accidentes Cerebrovasculares al servicio de los hospitales de todo el país, ayudando a garantizar que la atención al paciente esté alineada con las últimas directrices basadas en la investigación y la evidencia. Este programa ayuda a mejorar la atención de los accidentes cerebrovasculares al promover el cumplimiento constante de estas pautas, lo que puede minimizar los efectos a largo plazo de un accidente cerebrovascular e incluso prevenir la muerte.

El equipo de especialistas de Intermountain Health ha desarrollado protocolos que acortan la cantidad de tiempo que se tarda en diagnosticar y tratar un accidente cerebrovascular. Esto es importante porque un diagnóstico y tratamiento rápidos pueden significar menos daño a largo plazo, menos discapacidad y mejores resultados generales.

Intermountain Health ofrece un espectro completo de atención especializada que abarca desde la atención neurocrítica hasta la atención aguda y la rehabilitación y la terapia ambulatoria.

"Este reconocimiento refleja la dedicación inquebrantable de nuestro equipo de médicos, APP, enfermeras y técnicos a la comunidad a la que nos sentimos tan honrados de servir. Tenemos un dicho en neurología que dice que 'el tiempo es cerebro', porque cuanto antes tratemos a los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular, mejores serán sus resultados", dijo Katherine Thomas, MD, directora médica de Intermountain Medical Center.

"Estamos comprometidos a evaluar y refinar continuamente nuestros procesos de accidente cerebrovascular mientras aprovechamos a nuestros increíbles cuidadores para garantizar que cada paciente reciba atención de la más alta calidad para el accidente cerebrovascular".

"Estamos increíblemente complacidos de reconocer a Intermountain Medical Center por su compromiso con el cuidado de los pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares", dijo Steven Messe, MD, presidente voluntario del Grupo Asesor del Sistema de Atención de Accidentes Cerebrovasculares de la Asociación Estadounidense del Corazón y profesor de neurología y director de becas de neurología en el Hospital de la Universidad de Pensilvania. "La participación en Get With the Guidelines se asocia con mejores resultados para los pacientes, menos readmisiones y menores tasas de mortalidad, una victoria para los sistemas de atención médica, las familias y las comunidades".

Intermountain Medical Center también recibió el premio Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus de la American Heart Association, el premio Honor Roll Advanced Therapy de la AHA y el premio Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll de la AHA.

Para calificar para este reconocimiento, los hospitales deben cumplir con criterios específicos que reduzcan el tiempo entre la llegada de un paciente elegible al hospital y el tratamiento con terapia trombolítica. Además, los hospitales deben cumplir con criterios específicos que reduzcan el tiempo entre la llegada de un paciente elegible al hospital y el tratamiento para eliminar el coágulo que causa el accidente cerebrovascular.

"Intermountain Medical Center está comprometido a mejorar la atención al paciente al adherirse a las últimas pautas de tratamiento", dijo el Dr. Thomas. "El programa Get With the Guidelines hace que sea más fácil para nuestros equipos poner en práctica el conocimiento y las pautas comprobados a diario, lo que los estudios muestran que puede ayudar a los pacientes a recuperarse mejor. El objetivo final es garantizar que más personas de nuestra comunidad experimenten vidas más largas y saludables".

El objetivo: El programa de diabetes tipo 2 tiene como objetivo garantizar que los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2, que podrían tener un mayor riesgo de complicaciones, reciban la atención más actualizada y basada en evidencia cuando sean hospitalizados debido a un accidente cerebrovascular.

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For the second consecutive year, nine Intermountain Health physicians have been named in the annual Top Doctors Desert Companion Magazine.

This year’s list includes the following Intermountain Health providers:

• Dr. Afi Bruce, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Brian Davis, Physical Medicine
• Dr. John Hou, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Sunita Kalra, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Marija Krstic, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Janmejay (Jay) Patel, Cardiology
• Dr. Lara Wenner, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Steven Yates, Oncology/Hematology
• Dr. John Bedotto, Cardiology (retired in July)

The nomination process is managed by healthcare research company Castle Connolly and physicians are nominated via peer recommendations of Southern Nevada’s best healthcare providers. 

Nominations are open to all licensed physicians in America, and they are able to nominate physicians in any specialty and in any part of the country. Castle Connolly’s physician-led researchers use a rigorous screening process and strict standard to select the 2024 Top Doctors, including consideration of educational and professional experiences.

“These recognitions are an honor as these providers serve our patients and community with the highest commitment to quality, safety and equity,” said Cara Camiolo, MD,  regional chief medical officer at Intermountain Health. “They truly are representative of our incredible caregiver teams that are focused on our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible.”

Published bimonthly by Nevada Public Radio, Desert Companion Magazine features award-winning lifestyle journalism and design that celebrates Southern Nevadans and sparks dialogue in our community.The August/September Desert Companion Top Doctors issue published on August 1.

Intermountain Health physicians have repeatedly made the Desert Companion Top Doctors list. Several have been named to the list in the past, including John Bedotto, MD;Afi Bruce, MD; Brian Davis, MD; John Hou, MD; Sunita Kalra, MD; Jay Patel, MD; Lara Wenner, MD; and Steven Yates, MD

For more information about Intermountain Health or to find a health provider, please visit intermountainhealthcare.org.

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Five Intermountain Health hospitals in Colorado received recognition in the latest US News & World Report rankings including Saint Joseph Hospital, which was named the No. 2 hospital in Colorado and the Denver Metro Area.  

In addition to the No. 2 ranking, Saint Joseph Hospital was listed as High Performing in pulmonology, lung surgery, and geriatrics, and High Performing in 13 procedures: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; colon cancer surgery; lung cancer surgery; abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, TAVR, maternity care, hip replacement, knee replacement, and pneumonia. 

Other hospitals that were recognized were: 

• Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette. High Performing in five procedures and conditions: colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart attack, stroke, and maternity care 
• Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge. High Performing in three procedures and conditions: heart attack, stroke, maternity care 
• Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton. High Performing in maternity care 
• St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction. High Performing in five procedures and conditions: prostate cancer surgery, heart attack, stroke, maternity care, and hip replacement 

“We are proud of the excellent, high quality medical care our caregivers deliver every day.  While we don’t chase recognition, we appreciate it when national publications recognize the incredible care our professionals deliver on a daily basis,” said Intermountain Health Region President Jim Sheets.   

You can learn more about the rankings at US News & World Report.  

Dos cuidadores del Intermountain Cedar City Hospital obtuvieron el reconocimiento a la "Respuesta del año" por parte de la Utah Emergency Management Association por su actuación rápida, colaboración con la comunidad y capacidad para movilizarse tras las inundaciones extremas del año pasado.

El Cedar City Hospital se vio afectado gravemente por una inundación en agosto de 2023. La coordinadora del Emergency Management Program, Jody Johnson, junto el jefe de enfermería del Infusion Center, Tom Giles, se encargaron de dirigir la respuesta para que el establecimiento siguiera en funcionamiento y se pudiera tratar a los pacientes.

"Su dedicación permitió a los residentes recibir atención médica constante cerca de sus casas sin tener que trasladarse a St. George o Salt Lake City. Su liderazgo durante la respuesta y recuperación refleja el compromiso con la comunidad y el servicio por encima de uno mismo", declaró Julianne Ehlers, coordinadora del Intermountain Emergency Management Program por Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en Lehi.

Las inundaciones afectaron al departamento de urgencias, al centro de cáncer y a muchas otras zonas de atención al paciente. Para mantener el hospital en funcionamiento, los cuidadores aportaron soluciones con gran rapidez, mientras Johnson, como coordinador del Emergency Management Program, trabajaba con socorristas locales para responder a las necesidades de la comunidad.

"Como coordinadora de la administración de emergencias, debo prever los desastres con la esperanza de que no ocurran, pero el día en que este se produjo, las fuertes lluvias no tardaron en entrar al edificio", dijo Johnson.

Los cuidadores y voluntarios de la comunidad se encargaron de llenar y distribuir sacos de arena en todo el hospital durante dos días. También se cavaron zanjas para desviar el agua de inundación y hubo una preparación para afrontar posibles lluvias.

El Cancer Center and Infusion Center es uno de los grandes centros de atención al paciente que se vio afectado por la inundación. Giles comprendió que debía encontrar una forma de ofrecer atención crítica constante a sus pacientes oncológicos. Trasladó equipos, materiales y personal al centro de conferencias del hospital, que suele utilizarse para reuniones y fines educativos.

"Lo más asombroso fue que Tom y su equipo modificaron y reubicaron nuestro departamento de cáncer e infusión para que ningún paciente de la comunidad tuviera que salir de ella para recibir estos servicios", afirmó Travis Fullmer, administrador de enfermería del Cedar City Hospital.

La junta directiva de UEMA celebró el liderazgo de Johnson y Giles, y de los cuidadores del hospital, en su ceremonia anual de entrega de premios UEMA: "Su excepcional respuesta ante el episodio de las inundaciones de 2023 no pasó desapercibida y es un honor para nosotros reconocer su destacado servicio. La junta directiva de UEMA considera que su inquebrantable dedicación es un claro ejemplo del espíritu de excelencia que queremos reconocer a través de este premio."

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Two Intermountain Cedar City Hospital caregivers were recognized for the “Response of the Year” by the Utah Emergency Management Association for their quick response, community collaboration and ability to mobilize from last year’s extreme flooding.

In August of 2023 Cedar City Hospital was seriously impaired by flooding, and Emergency Management Program Coordinator Jody Johnson and Infusion Center Nurse Manager Tom Giles helped lead the response to keep the facility open to treat patients.

“Their dedication made it possible for residents to continually receive medical care close to home instead of having to travel St. George or Salt Lake City. Their leadership during response and recovery defines commitment to community and service above self,” said Julianne Ehlers, Intermountain Emergency Management Program Coordinator for Primary Children’s Hospital at Lehi.

The emergency department, cancer center, and several other patient care areas were impacted by flood waters. To keep the hospital operational, caregivers responded quickly with solutions while Johnson, in his role as the Emergency Management Program Coordinator, worked with local first responders for community responses.

“As the Emergency Management Coordinator, you plan for disasters with the hope that no one has to experience a disaster, but the day disaster struck, it didn’t take long before the heavy rain found its way into the building,” said Johnson.

Caregivers and community volunteers spent two days filling and distributing sandbags around the hospital. Other recovery efforts included digging trenches to redirect flood waters and preparing for threats of more rain.

One of the larger patient care areas affected by the flood was the Cancer Center and Infusion Center. Giles realized they needed to find a way to provide ongoing critical care to their cancer patients. He moved equipment, materials and team to the hospital’s conference center, typically used for meetings and educational purposes.

“What was so amazing was that Tom and his team adjusted and relocated our cancer and infusion department so that zero patients in our community had to leave the community for cancer and infusion services,” said Travis Fullmer, Cedar City Hospital Nurse Administrator.

The UEMA Governing Board celebrated the leadership of Johnson and Giles, and the hospital caregivers, at their annual UEMA awards ceremony by stating, “Your exceptional response to the 2023 flooding incident has not gone unnoticed, and it is our honor to recognize your outstanding service. The Governing Board of UEMA believes your unwavering dedication exemplifies the spirit of excellence that we aim to celebrate through this award.”

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Vegas Inc announced Intermountain Health Desert Region Chief Nursing Officer Keyona Cole and Care Management Manager in Ambulatory Care LaTeisha Morgan as 2024 Health Care Headliners. Cole received the recognition in the Nursing category and Morgan in the Community Outreach category.

Vegas Inc published the 2024 Health Care Headliners in the Healthcare Quarterly special section released today. Health Care Headliner categories also included Dentistry, Education, Emergency Services, Innovation, Physician, Research/Science, and Lifetime Achievement. Vegas Inc accepted nominations from the public and a panel comprised of independent judges reviewed and selected the winners. A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.

“Intermountain Health is proud to serve the Las Vegas Valley to ensure patients have access to affordable, high-quality health care,” said Mandy Richards, Chief Nursing Executive for Intermountain Health. “The recognition by Vegas Inc for our caregivers Keyona Cole and LaTeisha Morgan underscores their commitment to providing leadership for our teams for providing compassionate care our patients and strengthening opportunities to improve and sustain the overall health of our communities.”

Since 2021, Cole, FNP, has served as Chief Nursing Officer for Intermountain Health’s Desert Region, which is comprised of southern Nevada and southwest Utah. In addition to supporting clinical operations, she serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee leaders and has initiated and overseen innovative solutions to Nevada’s medical assistant shortage. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Association and currently serves on the Goodwill of Southern Nevada Board of Directors. Earlier this month, Cole received national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review when she was named to the 231+ Black healthcare leaders to know - 2024 list.

“I am grateful that these honors bring additional recognition to our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Keyona Cole. “Achieving health equity is a marathon not a sprint. Intermountain is well-positioned to continue to make significant impact in the Nevada and Southwest Utah communities.”

Morgan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has been significantly involved in advocacy work in the Las Vegas area for nearly two decades. Her diverse career includes roles such as a family service specialist, case manager supervisor, and director of operations within prominent social work organizations in Las Vegas. Morgan’s commitment to the elderly community is evident through her work with the State of Nevada Elder Protective Services. Additionally, her role as a specialty court specialist with Clark County 8th Judicial District showcased her dedication to justice and rehabilitation. Morgan also is committed to providing awareness to suicide prevention to the community through supporting the HOPE Squad, a high school peer lead suicide prevention group which aims to spread suicide awareness and connectivity.

“These roles give me the opportunity to fulfill my purpose and support my community on a macro and micro level,” said Morgan. “I am honored to assist individuals as they work through challenging times, help our community heal and thrive, and foster the growth of the next generation of mental health clinicians and social workers through my work as a clinical supervisor.”

Vegas Inc established the Health Care Headliners awards in 2006 to highlight the phenomenal talent of the finest medical professionals who are leading the way. Vegas Inc’s Health Care Quarterly is mailed to every M.D., D.O., medical office in Clark County, all area hospitals, and is distributed to every local Albertson’s location.

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Intermountain Health has been ranked the top large health system in the nation by Fortune magazine and PINC AI, as a part of their annual evaluation and rankings of the nation’s best health systems for 2024.

This is Intermountain Health’s second consecutive year on the prestigious list – and the first time the health system has been being ranked number one.

The Fortune Magazine analysis found that if all health systems in the United States performed like Intermountain Health and leading systems on the list, it would result in 220,000 fewer patient deaths and 196,000 fewer patients experiencing complications during their hospital stays.

“I’m beyond proud of our entire team of caregivers who have put in the work to make this possible,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO or Intermountain Health. “This ranking is a tribute to their expertise and dedication to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.”

Intermountain continues to be a national leader in healthcare thanks to its outstanding clinical outcomes, cutting-edge medical research to enhance patient care, telehealth capabilities to enhance access, and focus on preventive care and overall wellness.

One area of focus for Intermountain has been expansion of its telehealth programs to enhance access to patients across multiple states, especially those in rural communities.

The Intermountain Tele-oncology program, for example, gives people access to the best cancer care without having to travel far from their local communities. This is especially vital in rural areas where patients may have to drive hours for care and makes treatment more costly and stressful.

Intermountain is also using telehealth services to improve access to emergency specialty care for conditions including stroke and pediatrics. This is helping community hospitals and patients access expert diagnosis as quickly as possible while maintaining positive outcomes for patients. 

Intermountain’s efforts have also brought a streamlined approach to ensure patients have access to the best medical care possible. By adopting best practices at all their hospitals and clinics it’s helping standardize high level of care in all the communities they serve.

The Fortune/PINC AI ranking is based off publicly available health data from 355 health systems across the country. The study looked at eight performance indicators including clinical outcomes, inpatient mortality, average length of hospital stays, and overall patient experience.

The annual report aims to help guide health system’s performance initiatives and identify areas to improve by highlighting areas of success from top performers.

To see the full list of Fortune PINC AI 15 Top Health Systems, click here.

Fortune magazine and PINC AI have ranked Intermountain Medical Center in Murray as the number one major teaching hospital in the nation for 2024.

In addition, nine other Intermountain hospitals in Utah were ranked among the nation’s best hospitals on this year’s top 100 hospitals list, according to PINC AI and Fortune.

“When 10 percent of all the hospitals on a prestigious list like Fortune are from Intermountain Health, it shows how the innovative, caring and compassionate work our caregivers do on a daily basis is helping fulfill our vision of being a model health system – a charge given when our system was formed in 1975,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “I’m proud of our caregivers for the work they do and the impact it has on our communities. Their work is an inspiration to me and to others.”

The Fortune rankings analyzed publicly available data from more than 2,600 hospitals across the nation to determine top performers in clinical outcomes, patient experience, operational efficiency, and financial health.

“Our caregivers are at the forefront of innovation in healthcare and Intermountain Medical Center being ranked the top teaching hospital in the country shows that our vision is working,” said Ralph Jean-Mary, CEO of Intermountain Medical Center in Murray.

The annual Fortune and PINC AI Top 100 list is broken down into multiple categories with 40 being for teaching hospitals, and the remaining 60 slots for community hospitals.

Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital was listed forth for teaching hospitals while Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital placed second in the category for Large Community Hospitals.

Others making this year’s Top 100 list are:

-       Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital

-       Intermountain Alta View Hospital in Sandy

-       Intermountain American Fork Hospital

-       Intermountain Cedar City Hospital

-       Intermountain Layton Hospital

-       Intermountain Park City Hospital

-       Intermountain Riverton Hospital

To see the full Fortune Top Hospitals List for 2024, click here.

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Two Intermountain Health hospitals have been named Top 50 heart hospitals in the nation for 2024 by Fortune Magazine. 

Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden and Intermountain Medical Center in Murray are ranked as two of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2024 by Fortune and Pinc AI, which evaluates heart hospitals annually to determine facilities that are excelling in providing high quality, affordable heart care. 

The Fortune and Pinc AI rankings including teaching hospitals with and without cardiovascular residency programs, along with community hospitals. 

This year’s rankings examined 940 hospitals in the United States and assessed their performance based on metrics including clinical outcomes (inpatient deaths and complications, as well as readmission and 30-day mortality rates), operational efficiency (average length of cost and stay), and overall patient experience. 

This is the fourth consecutive year that Intermountain Medical Center has been named to the Fortune Top 50 list, and the first year for Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. 

“This is a terrific honor to have our efforts to provide the highest-quality heart care to our patients be recognized by Fortune Magazine,” said Eric Lindley, MD, medical director of the cardiovascular program at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. “Our goal is to provide the very best heart care to our patients close to home here in Northern Utah. We’re proud to have those efforts recognized nationally. That’s a credit to our entire team.” 

“We’re thrilled to once again be recognized as one of premier heart hospitals in the nation,” said Stephen McKellar, MD, medical director for the cardiovascular program at Intermountain Medical Center. “Our focus is to provide the very best care and treatment options for our patients. The fact that two of our Intermountain hospitals are ranked among the Top 50 hospitals in the nation is a real honor and speaks to our commitment to our patients.” 

The rankings focus on short-term, acute care, nonfederal hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. Hospitals must provide all levels of cardiovascular care, including open heart surgery, to be included in the study. 

According to the authors of the study, compared to peer hospitals, those in the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates and up to nearly $10,000 less in total costs per patient case. 

These outcomes add up to meaningful differences. 

According to the study’s analysis, if all hospitals operated at the level of this year’s top performers, there could be 7,600 fewer deaths due to heart disease, 6,700 fewer bypass and angioplasty patients who suffer complications, and more than $1 billion in inpatient costs could have been saved for the 2024 study year. 

This analysis is based on Medicare patients included in this study. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact could have been even greater.

Vegas Inc selected Intermountain Health’s Robert “Bob” Vadovic, RN, DNP, APNc, Medical Director for Community-Based Programs, as a 2023 Health Care Headliner for his work in Education. The 17th annual awards features nine headliners who are making a difference in both the healthcare industry and the health of our community.

“It is truly an honor to receive this very meaningful award,” said Vadovic, who also has served Intermountain Health as Medical Director for Advanced Practice Providers and Program Director for the APP Primary Care Fellowship Program. “My passion for learning can only be rivaled by my passion for helping patients enjoy the best quality of life. I believe the patient is in charge, and I am the tool to help them achieve health and wellness.”

The 2023 Vegas Inc Health Care Headliners were announced in the Healthcare Quarterly special section of the magazine released today. Health Care Headliner categories also included Community Exemplary, Nursing, and Lifetime Achievement. Vegas Inc accepted nominations from the public and a panel comprised of independent judges reviewed and selected the winners. A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.

As the founder of the Intermountain Health Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program in Primary Care, Vadovic created the first of only two such programs in the entire state of Nevada. This program has graduated 12 fellows over the past three years. Bob conducted weekly didactic lectures that provided Continuing Medical Education credits (CMEs) for the fellows, which are open to any caregiver in the organization. Bob also created a mentorship program to help retain newly hired providers within the organization.

“Bob has been a true trailblazer in the medical education space in Nevada for years,” said Dr. Cara Camiolo, Chief Medical Officer for Intermountain Health’s Desert Region. “His leadership, creative solutions, and community involvement have led to successful programs and opportunities for our caregivers and contributed to the high-quality, accessible care provided to our patients.”

A highly involved community partner with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Nursing, Vadovic works with Intermountain Health each year to provide stethoscopes to all incoming nursing students during their orientation. He also is an Adjunct Professor and Guest Lecturer at the Touro University of Nevada School of Nursing, where he teaches the Master of Science in Nursing program.

As a member of the Intermountain Health Nevada Clinical Education Committee, Vadovic oversees continuing education for providers, the clinical ladder program for all caregivers, and representation at the UNLV School of Medicine Research Day presentations. This Committee also established Intermountain Health’s partnership with NV Careers to develop our innovative 90-Day Medical Assistant Apprentice Program supported by Goodwill of Southern Nevada. The program creates career opportunities for unemployed or underemployed community members with no prior experience to enter the healthcare workforce through a paid apprenticeship, while also alleviating staffing shortages within a healthcare infrastructure supporting a population of over 2.8 million individuals.

Vegas Inc established the Health Care Headliners awards in 2006 to highlight the phenomenal talent of the finest medical professionals who are leading the way. Vegas Inc’s Health Care Quarterly is mailed to every M.D., D.O., medical office in Clark County, all area hospitals, and is distributed to every local Albertson’s locations.

Intermountain Health has been recognized by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Business Press as one of Nevada’s Top Workplaces for 2023.

Results are determined by an employee engagement survey conducted by Energage, a technology organization that has surveyed more than 27 million employees over 17 years and recognized organizations across more than 55 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards.

“We are thrilled to receive the Nevada Top Workplaces award, a recognition of Intermountain Health’s commitment to enabling our caregivers to thrive both professionally and personally,” said Paul Krakovitz, MD, Intermountain Health Region President. “Being a part of Nevada healthcare is a privilege. We are a forever organization devoted to providing quality care at our more than 60 clinics throughout the Southern Nevada community. This award is a testament to our hardworking and dedicated caregivers that embody our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible every day.”

The methodology for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Business Press Top Workplaces, in partnership with Energage, starts with employee feedback gathered through the third-party survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of an organization including alignment, execution, and connection.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, chief executive officer of Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“At Intermountain Health, we value our diverse workforce, and we empower our caregivers to be their authentic selves,” said Tracy Stanford, Intermountain Health’s region vice president of human resources. “Our caregivers know that they have flexibility, as well as access to ongoing professional development opportunities, benefits, and programs that positively impact their lives. We offer fulfilling opportunities in an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, we’re currently hiring and would love to welcome new caregivers to the Intermountain Health team.”

For more information about working at Intermountain Health including available positions, please visit https://intermountainnv.org/careers/.