Title
Proclamation congratulating the West Penn Bariatric Surgery Center for being ranked in the top 5 percent in the nation, and for earning a five-star rating for clinical excellence in bariatric surgery from HealthGrades.
Body
WHEREAS, in the Second Annual HealthGrades Bariatric Surgery Trends in American Hospitals Study, the West Penn Hospital Bariatric Surgery Center ranked in the top 5 percent in the nation; and
WHEREAS, HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, also recognized West Penn Hospital with a five-star rating for clinical excellence in bariatric surgery. West Penn is one of 109 hospitals nationally to receive a five-star rating from HealthGrades; and
WHEREAS, this achievement is the most recent in a series of honors for West Penn's Bariatric Surgery Program. In May 2006, West Penn's program was the first in Pennsylvania to receive a “Center of Excellence” designation from both the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons; and
WHEREAS, the program is also designated a “Blue Distinction Center” by BC/BS Association, and a “Center of Excellence” by HealthAmerica and United Resource Network. These designations recognize the skill of the surgeons, the quality of the hospital, and the support provided to patients; and
WHEREAS, West Penn bariatric surgeons Daniel J. Gagné, MD, Director, and Pavlos Papasavas, MD, Co-Director, are leaders in the field, having performed more than 1,300 surgeries. They have also published 40 papers and book chapters on weight-loss surgery, and have given over 100 presentations nationally and throughout the world;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and commend the West Penn Bariatric Surgery Center for earning the distinction of being ranked in the top 5 percent in the nation and for earning a five-star rating for clinical excellence in bariatric surgery from HealthGrades.