WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has won the 2004-05 Consumer Choice Award for Winston-Salem. The award, by National Research Corporation, honors hospitals that consumers rate as having the highest quality and image. This is the sixth straight year that the Medical Center has won the award.
The award was presented to 187 hospitals in more than 150 markets. The winning facilities rank highest in their metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Medical Center has held the award since 1999.
Nationally, the Consumer Choice Awards are based on a survey of more than 140,000 households, representing 400,000 consumers, in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The Winston-Salem award is based on results from four counties.
In a larger area (19 counties in the Piedmont Triad) Wake Forest Baptist was rated highest on image/reputation, best community health program, latest technology and equipment, best nurses and doctors, and providing care for those unable to pay. Both male and female consumers who make the health care decisions in their families rated Wake Forest Baptist as the most-preferred hospital for all health needs.
The award reflects the growing role of consumer choice in the health care field, according to NRC.
“Consumers play an increasing role in their selection of healthcare facilities and services,” said Michael Hays, NRC president and CEO.
This is the eighth year NRC has recognized hospitals that consumers have rated highest for providing quality healthcare services. The survey is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. The margin of error is plus or minus 0.26 percent on a national level.
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Media Contacts: Karen Richardson, krchrdsn@wfubmc.edu; or Shannon Koontz, shkoontz@wfubmc.edu, at 336-716-4587.