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Consumer Reports Suvey On Local Hospitals Termed "A Stinker"
Consumer Reports Suvey On Local Hospitals Termed "A Stinker" 07/11/12
CBS 7 News
July 11, 2012
Midland/Odessa - A Consumer Reports rating on Midland Memorial and Medical Center Hospitals is termed a "stinker" by the Texas Hospital Association. The report, issued by Dr. John Santa, the health ratings director for Consumer Reports, shows the average rating for hospitals is 49 out of a one to one hundred rating scale. However, the survey ranks Midland Memorial Hospital at a 39 and Medical Center Hospital with a 32. Dr. Santa says criteria for rating the hospitals includes steps to prevent infections, communications with patients and likelihood of complications due to safety or error problems.
Lance Lunceford, a spokesman for the Texas Hospital Association told CBS 7 Closer Look that the survey is hardly scientific or accurate. Lunceford says, "it's not exactly a comprehensive list of services. It's not a comprehensive list of hospitals. It doesn't represent an accurate picture to consumers." He continued , "these surveys originate in an area where revenue is slipping in an organization and the sales office comes in and comes up with new ways to generate revenue and this is one of the latest tools."
Midland Memorial C-E-O Russell Meyers told CBS 7 Closer Look, "patient safety and quality of care are our top priorities and we welcome public scrutiny of our data." Medical Center Health System says, "we feel that the Consumer Reports first attempt at rating healthcare is not a credible resource." The quote later continues, Medical Center Health System has been listed in the top ten safest hospitals in Texas by The Dallas Morning News in October, 2011.