Iowa Health System includes as members or affiliates hospitals that serve nearly one out of every three patients in the Hawkeye State.

It comes as very good news, therefore, that an analysis by Thomson Reuters of 255 health care systems nationwide has ranked Iowa Health in the top 20 percent in terms of clinical quality and efficiency. This is the second consecutive year that IHS achieved top-quintile status. Those top-performing systems in this grouping collectively provided significantly better care than did those ranked in the bottom quintile. They had 16 percent lower mortality and 18 percent fewer patient safety incidents.

“The positive results for … Iowa Health System reveal that our vision of delivering the best outcome for every patient every time has been embraced across our health system,” said IHS President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Leaver in a statement taking note of the Thomson Reuters findings. “While the numbers show we are achieving objectives for safety and quality care, it is the sharing of best practices, striving for innovation and the tremendous cooperation among all or our partners that is driving our success.”

Some things are so important a part of our immediate environment that it is easy to take them for granted. The excellence of the hospitals that comprise Iowa Health System is a good example.

Farm News congratulates Iowa Health on being recognized by Thomson Reuters for providing high-quality health care. The contributions this outstanding hospital system makes to the well-being of countless Iowans warrant robust applause.