EDINA, Minn., (January 31, 2008) – Fairview Southdale Hospital announced today that it is among the nation’s top five percent of hospitals recognized by a HealthGrades quality study of mortality and complication performance rates. For the third consecutive year, Fairview Southdale Hospital earned HealthGrades’ 2008 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.TM

According to the independent study released today by the ratings organization, patients admitted to hospitals recognized by this award are 27 percent less likely to face mortality and five percent less likely to suffer a major complication. This year, 269 of the nation’s 4,971 non-federal hospitals earned this distinction. The study shows that Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence are improving patient outcomes at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering risk-adjusted mortality rates in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by an average of 15 percent.

“We have a skilled and dedicated team of clinicians and employees,” says Brad Beard, president of Fairview Southdale Hospital and Clinics. “It is because of their hard work that our patients and their families receive quality health care that is among the best in the nation.”

Fairview Southdale Hospital was named best in Minnesota for cardiology, coronary interventions, treatment of stroke and pulmonary care by HealthGrades in November 2007. The hospital ranks in the top 10 percent of hospitals for critical care.

The 2008 HealthGrades ratings for hospitals nationwide are available at no cost at www.healthgrades.com. Edina-based Fairview Southdale Hospital is a multi-specialty medical center recognized for its cardiovascular, oncology and trauma programs and is a part of Fairview Health Services. For more information, visit southdale.fairview.org.

Contact: Julie Mikkelson: 952-924-5065; jmikkel1@fairview.org