Saint Michael's Named Top New Jersey Hospital for Treatment of Diabetes, Endocrine Disorders

NEWARK, N. J. (July 17, 2009) –– U.S. News and World Report has named Saint Michael’s Medical Center among the top 50 hospitals in the United States for the treatment of diabetes and endocrine disorders. The Newark-based regional medical center was among seven New Jersey hospitals listed in the publication’s “America’s Best Hospitals” list.

The monthly news magazine, which has published the list for the past 20 years, surveyed nearly 5,000 acute-care and specialty hospitals nationwide according to a variety of factors, including reputation, mortality rates, and patient safety. Hospitals were rated in sixteen areas of specialty, with a total of only 174 hospitals making the list.

“It’s an honor to be named among the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide — and the top hospital in the state — in the area of diabetes and endocrine disorders,” said Robert H. Evans, chief executive officer of Saint Michael’s Medical Center. “I applaud the continued dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff, who are committed to the delivery of world-class medical care.”

“Diabetes is among the chief health problems facing the community,” said Dr. Nicholas Baranetsky, chief of the Endocrinology Section of the hospital's Department of Medicine. “Optimal management of the disease requires that primary-care physicians, medical and surgical specialists, nurses, diabetes educators, and dietitians work together in following care plans during hospitalization and after discharge. Our ranking in U.S. News and World Report was made possible by the cooperation of our entire organization in developing and implementing these plans.”

“I am hopeful that this achievement will help raise awareness in the region about the importance of diabetes education,” said Patrice Paolella, director of the hospital’s Diabetes Management Center. “By the year 2007, more than 550,000 adults in New Jersey had been diagnosed with diabetes. Fewer than half have visited a diabetes self-management education center. With effective treatment and education, people with diabetes can learn to live healthier, more positive lives.”

For more information about education and treatment of diabetes and other endocrine disorders at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, call (973) 877-2885.

Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health East (CHE). Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Catholic Health East is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, with 34 hospitals in 11 states. More information is available at www.che.org and www.smmcnj.org.