Albert B. Chandler in Lexington is the best hospital in Kentucky for the ninth year in a row, according to U.S. News and World Report .
Along with being named best in the state, Chandler was named in the top 50 hospitals across the nation in three specialty areas: obstetrics/gynecology (#21), cancer care (#36) and ear, nose and throat (#37).
Dr. Emily DeFranco, chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department, called her department’s ranking a testament to the dedication and “tireless efforts” of UK HealthCare’s staff.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care, advancing research, and training future leaders in women’s health,” she said.
Hospitals are ranked based on quantitative metrics, such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. U.S. News and World Report started publishing a list of America’s best hospitals annually in 1990.
“U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A ‘Best Hospital’ recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”
This year’s rankings introduced a new recognition for improving healthcare access in historically underserved communities. Chandler was the only hospital in Kentucky to be named a Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access.
Chief Diversity Officer Tukea Talbert said some Kentuckians face such barriers as being uninsured or underinsured, financially stressed or living in geographic underserved locations.
She said UK HealthCare works to connect patients with community partners so their needs continue to be met after they leave the hospital.
“Health equity is about giving all people of the commonwealth a fair opportunity to reach their highest health potential. We know that not all individuals have equitable access to care due to social needs and barriers in the community,” she said. “We continue to strive to identify and address those social needs to ensure all Kentuckians have a fair opportunity to reach their highest outcomes and best health.”
Other UK HealthCare hospitals’ success
UK HealthCare boasted acclaim for three of its other hospitals.
Kentucky Children’s Hospital ranked as the second-best children’s hospital in the state, behind Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville. Kentucky Children’s ranked nationally in three specialties: pediatric cardiology and heart surgery (#7), pediatric orthopedics (#42) and pediatric urology (#42).
King’s Daughters, a system based in Ashland acquired by UK in December 2022, didn’t rank nationally but did bring home a “High Performing” designation in five procedures or conditions: acute kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, lung cancer surgery and stroke.
St. Claire, a system based in Morehead which just joined UK on July 1, was also designated “High Performing” in three procedures or conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and pneumonia.
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