US News Survey: UCLA Health Hospitals Ranked Among Nation's Best

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — UCLA Health Hospitals ranked among the nation's best on Tuesday in an annual survey produced by U.S. News.

According to the survey, UCLA Health Hospitals in Westwood and Santa Monica were named to U.S. News and World Report's 2015-2016 Best Hospitals Honor Roll.

"We are truly honored to be recognized as one of the top hospitals in the country," said Dr. James Atkinson, interim associate vice chancellor and president of UCLA Hospital System. "Our ongoing commitment is to deliver the highest-quality medical care available in a compassionate environment where patients and their families are treated with dignity and respect."

To be included on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, a medical center must rank high in at least six of 16 specialties, officials explained.

UCLA previously ranked No. 5 in the country, however, this year the hospital tied for No. 3.

"Fewer than 150 hospitals, less than three percent of the nearly 5,000 we evaluated, were nationally ranked in even on specialty, let alone six," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis of U.S. News.

The annual rankings recognizes hospitals that excel in treating patients who need an especially high level of care.

UCLA Health Hospitals were highlighted among 15 hospitals out of nearly 5,000 nationwide for their expertise in treating the most challenging patients.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)