Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia has been named a 2008 Distinguished Hospital for Patient Safety.

The distinction was made through an independent study by HealthGrades, a national healthcare ratings company. According to a press release, it puts Ridgeview among the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for patient safety outcomes.

"Ridgeview is one of only 249 hospitals out of nearly 5,000 in the nation to receive this recognition and one of only nine hospitals in Minnesota," the release noted.

Patients at top performing hospitals had a 43-percent lower chance of experiencing one or more medical errors than poorly performing facilities.

Bob Stevens, Ridgeview president and CEO, credited hospital employees and staff for the honor.

"This awared is a testament to the strong culture of exceptional care that Ridgeview possesses," he said.

Check out individual hospital performances at www.healthgrades.com [1].