Newton Memorial Hospital’s results in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey released Friday provide patients with greater detail of the care delivered at their healthcare provider of choice.

“We are proud that Newton Memorial scored at or above either state or national averages in nearly every category,” hospital spokesman John Brand said. “That being said, our pursuit of elevating the quality of care at Newton Memorial is never ending. The results of this report will help us as we look to improve patient care at Newton Memorial.”

“Everyone across our healthcare system keeps our patients at the center of everything we do,” he added. “Providing exceptional care in a safe, clean environment is one of our greatest priorities.”

Newton Memorial Hospital works closely with VHA Inc., the American Hospital Association and the New Jersey Hospital Association and, through those organizations, receives information about best practices throughout the country.

Newton Memorial is also proud to announce that for the third consecutive year VHA Inc. has recognized Newton Memorial Hospital with an award for clinical excellence.

The 2008 VHA Award for Clinical Excellence specifically recognizes Newton Memorial Hospital for successfully preventing ventilator-acquired pneumonia in the ICU for 12 consecutive months.

Last year, the VHA gave Newton Memorial a clinical excellence award for performing at the 90 percent or above level in treatment of heart attack and pneumonia patients and in the prevention of surgical infections. Newton Memorial Hospital is one of 2,400 health care organizations that are members of VHA. The VHA is a nonprofit network of community hospitals that establishes best-practice standards and shares them with group members.

The VHA has given leadership awards for 15 years to members to recognize how hospitals have worked with VHA to improve their performance.