Wichita, KS — The HCA Healthcare Continental Division, which includes Wesley Healthcare, has been named the top large health system this week as a part of the IBM Watson Health 15 Top Health Systems list. This is the first time Wesley Healthcare has been recognized with this honor as one of the top performing health systems in the U.S.
IBM Watson Health has identified the top health systems from a rigorous evaluation of 332 health systems and 2,492 hospitals that are members of health systems. The annual list recognizes excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency and patient experience. IBM Watson Health established the list to establish top performance benchmarks that may help other healthcare organizations achieve consistent, balanced, and sustainable high performance.
“I am extremely proud that Wesley Healthcare is part of HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division that was named the top large health system in the country by IBM Watson Health,” said Bill Voloch, President and CEO of Wesley Healthcare. “We could not accomplish an achievement such as this without the dedication of our colleagues in our hospitals. Every day, they are committed to providing a high-quality, safe experience for each patient. I’m very proud to work alongside them and I believe this is a well-deserved award.”
The 2020 health systems study included 10 measures that provide an objective comparison of health system performance using publicly available data. The health systems with the highest achievement are those with the highest ranking on a composite score based on these 10 measures. The detailed study reports provide results and insights into hospital and health system leadership. The recognized health systems achieved better risk-adjusted outcomes and higher patient satisfaction while keeping their average per-patient costs down.
“To be named the top large healthcare system in the country by IBM Watson Health is an incredible honor for HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division, of which Wesley Healthcare is a part,” said Nestor Weigand, Jr., Chairman of the Wesley Healthcare Board of Directors. “Wesley has an amazing team of high performers and none are more deserving of this award than they are.”
This recognition demonstrates Wesley Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to prioritize patient-centered care, particularly during this very disruptive and challenging time. According to IBM Watson Health, the health systems included on the IBM Watson Health 15 Top Health Systems list had better results on performance indicators intended to measure clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and patient experience. These include lower inpatient mortality rates and fewer patient complications, considering patient severity; care that resulted in fewer hospital acquired infections; higher influenza immunization rates; lower 30-day readmission rates; shorter lengths of stay; faster emergency care; higher scores on patient ratings of their overall hospital experience; and lower episode-of-care expenses for the in-hospital through the aftercare process.
“Hospitals, health systems and the dedicated clinicians and staff who work at these organizations have emerged as true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are grateful to be able to recognize these extraordinary leaders at this time,” said Kyu Rhee, M.D., M.P.P., Vice President and Chief Health Officer, IBM Watson Health. “From small to large health systems, the organizations on this list demonstrate a relentless commitment to high value, patient-centered care and innovation. It is clear that the COVID-19 crisis will be a catalyst for reinvention, and we believe these top performing health systems are positioned to emerge stronger and smarter out of this crisis.”
For more information, visit 100 Top Hospitals.
About IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® Program
The IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals Program’s annual studies result in the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list, IBM Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals and IBM Watson Health 15 Top Health Systems. Organizations do not apply or pay for this honor or pay to promote their award. Award-winning hospitals and health systems serve as a model of excellence for the industry.
About IBM Watson Health
IBM Watson Health is a data, analytics, and technology partner for the health industry. Supported by the innovation of IBM and intelligence of Watson, we are committed to helping build smarter health ecosystems. Through the combination of our deep industry expertise in health, data and analytics, actionable insights, and reputation for security and trust, Watson Health is working together with its clients and partners to help them achieve simpler processes, better care insights, faster breakthroughs, and improved experiences for people around the world. Learn more at IBM Watson Health.