Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Receives “3 Star” Quality Rating!

WellStar Health System has received a “3 Star” rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). STS has developed a comprehensive rating system for the quality of cardiac surgery among hospitals. Only 12-15 percent of hospitals across the country received the “3 Star” rating, which denotes the highest category of quality for clinical excellence based on National Quality Forum (NQF) standards.

In the current analysis of national data covering the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010, the cardiac surgery performance of WellStar Kennestone Hospital was within the top tier thereby earning the STS - “3 Star” Rating.

“This recognition validates the hard work and commitment to excellence of our staff, physicians, administration, Board of Trustees and the WellStar community.” said Dr. William Cooper, director of cardiac surgery for WellStar Health System. “Delivering top quality cardiovascular care has been our primary focus since inception of cardiac surgery in December of 2004. Quality, the culmination of appropriate, safe, efficient, timely and equitable cardiac care, has been and will remain our number one priority.” 

WellStar offers a cutting-edge comprehensive cardiac program, with the exception of transplant services. The WellStar cardiac program is providing a continuum of care to the patient population in northwest Georgia. The cardiac surgery program is housed at WellStar Kennestone. Additionally, Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals are all accredited chest pain centers, and combined, they have nine labs for cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures. 

“WellStar is a community citizen and we want to improve the quality of life for our patients through world-class cardiovascular services, preventative care and education,” said Carol Edwards, vice president of cardiac services for WellStar Health System. “This rating allows us to continue to provide care to a large volume of cardiac patients, as we are the sole acute care hospital in our service areas.”