July 17, 2007

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

U.S. News & World Report releases America’s Best Hospitals 2007

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – U.S. News & World Report has announced publication of the 2007 edition of America’s Best Hospitals, which includes St. Cloud Hospital in the orthopedic specialty list.

Now in its 18th year, America’s Best Hospitals screened more than 5,462 hospitals and medical centers -- virtually all short-term, acute-care hospitals in the United States. The guide ranks 173 hospitals and medical centers in 16 specialties. The rankings weigh three elements equally: reputation, death rate, and a set of care-related factors such as nursing and patient services.

“It is an honor to be included on the U.S. News list for the specialty services we provide for orthopedic patients,” said St. Cloud Hospital President Craig Broman. “Inclusion in this list is recognition that our caring, skilled professionals are committed to providing quality care.”

Brian Kelly, editor of U.S. News & World Report, said, “As Americans are faced with increasingly complex health care decisions and choices, America’s Best Hospitals is a terrific example of U.S. News’s commitment to being the most trusted and comprehensive source for health care information, with complementary online and print components. America’s Best Hospitals offers consumers an in-depth look at hospitals across the country, providing necessary information to choose the best hospitals to fit their needs.”

Other Minnesota hospitals on the America’s Best list include Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis; Mayo Clinic, Rochester; and University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis.

For a complete listing, visit health.usnews.com/besthospitals.

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