In brief

For the fifth consecutive year, Hoag Hospital has received the

Consumers Choice Award from National Research Corporation, an

organization that measures health care performance.

The hospital is the only one in Orange County, and one of 122

hospitals nationwide, that received a top ranking in the organization’s

2000 survey.

The study included responses from 160,000 households representing more

than 400,000 consumers in metropolitan areas throughout the country. With

more than 2,500 hospitals rated in the survey, Hoag ranks among the

industry’s top 5%.

In addition to questions involving overall quality, the organization

polled respondents on issues related to hospital image and reputation as

well as the caliber of doctors and the quality of nurses.

Hoag Hospital has four centers focusing on cancer, heart, orthopedics

and women’s health services.

Earlier this month, the hospital announced a $100-million expansion

project that includes a new seven-story Women’s Pavilion. The new

building is scheduled to open in 2004.