Rancho among nation's top hospitals

DOWNEY - For the 23rd consecutive year, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center has been named one of "America's Best Hospitals" in rehabilitation medicine by U.S. News & World Report.Rancho was also named California's top rehabilitation medicine facility, and was ranked in the top 10 of all hospitals in the greater Southern California metropolitan area and 16th among all hospitals in the state. "Rancho is the only public rehabilitation hospital, and the only rehab facility based in California or any of our neighboring states to be ranked one of 'America's Best Hospitals' in rehabilitation medicine," Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe said in a statement. "Congratulations to the entire Rancho Los Amigos team for providing incredible care to our patients each and every day." Rancho has been rated a "Best Hospital" in rehabilitation medicine every year since U.S. News & World Report began its annual rankings more than two decades ago. "Rancho and other public hospitals are leaders and innovators in care and the backbone of our health system," said Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Director Mitchell Katz, M.D. "This recognition underscores their essential role in improving quality of life and delivering the very best in medicine." Rancho is tied with Johns Hopkins for 17th place in rehab. "Rancho has a proud heritage of excellence in patient-centered care," said Jorge Orozco, CEO of Rancho. "This latest honor is another testament to the outstanding work being done every day by the Rancho staff. Our national ranking is also indicative of the courage and commitment our patients show as they work to overcome their disabling conditions, to set new goals and to achieve their dreams." Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center has over 50 years of experience providing quality care for persons with physical disabilities. In the 1950's, Rancho Los Amigos made its transition to rehabilitative care with the waning of the polio epidemic, refocusing the team treatment approach developed to address polio on the rehabilitation of persons with disabling injury and illness. Rancho cares for approximately 4,000 inpatients and conducts 78,000 outpatient visits annually. The medical staff is composed of physicians and dentists representing the major medical, surgical and dental specialties required for the care of the catastrophically disabled. As a branch campus of the University of Southern California, Rancho Los Amigos is affiliated with its Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Health professions. It also affiliates with colleges and universities across the United States for training in the rehabilitation professions.

********** Published: July 19, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 14