Month: July 2014

KU Hospital named one of the best in national ranking

The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., is nationally ranked on all 12 adult specialty areas of the U.S. News and World Report “Best Hospitals” list for 2014-2015.

Only those hospitals ranked in the top 50 of the national lists are considered nationally ranked.

It is the first time any Kansas City area hospital has been ranked on all 12 lists which combine outcomes data, patient safety, structure and reputation, according to a KU Hospital spokesman.

This year, the magazine lowered the percentage of reputation in the total score in favor of a higher percentage for patient safety.

For the fifth year in a row, The University of Kansas Hospital was named the “Best Hospital in Kansas City” and for the third year in a row was named the “The Best Hospital in Kansas.” The hospital has won both honors every year they have been offered.

“As evidenced by these results, we provide outstanding care to every patient who comes to us,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.

“This year, more than ever, we make these lists because of our exceptional results for our patients. The partnership between doctors, nurses and other health care professionals leads to these results year after year,” Page said.

The 2014-2015 rankings for The University of Kansas Hospital:

• Cancer (#29). Cancer care made the list for the fourth year in a row.
• Cardiology and Heart Surgery (#21). This is the eighth year in a row for this program to be on the “Best Hospitals” lists. This year’s ranking was its highest ever.
• Diabetes and Endocrinology (#20). This specialty is listed for the third time and moved up 18 slots.
• Ear, Nose and Throat (#17). This is the sixth year ENT has been ranked and it moved up four positions.
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (#24). This is its fourth year in a row on the list.
• Geriatrics (#16). This is the fourth time Geriatrics made the list and is its highest ranking ever.
• Gynecology (#38). Gynecology made the national list for the first time.
• Nephrology (kidney) (#33). Nephrology moved up two positions in its sixth year on the list.
• Neurology and Neurosurgery (#12). In its third consecutive year on the list, this specialty registered its highest ranking ever.
• Orthopedics (#33-Tied). Orthopedics made the list for the first time.
• Pulmonology (#12). Pulmonology was ranked for the fifth year in a row and moved up five slots.
• Urology (#36). Urology made the list for the third time, registering its highest ranking ever.

There are approximately 5,700 hospitals across the country eligible for inclusion in the U.S. News and World Report “Best Hospitals” lists.

To see a KU Hospital video about this, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1uOEi8l-5A.

– Story from KU Hospital

Big innings doom Kansas City

Sioux City, Iowa – The Explorers scored in only three innings Monday night, but any two of the three would have been enough in their 13-6 win over Kansas City in the series opener.

With the T-Bones leading 4-0, Sioux City rallied against Kansas City starter Derek Gordon in the third inning. Shortly after Gordon issued back-to-back walks at the start of the inning, Peter Barrows and Amos Ramon delivered back-to-back RBI doubles. By the end of the inning, the Explorers sent 10 to the plate, and scored five runs on four hits and three walks.

Down 5-4 in the fifth inning, Kansas City once again rallied off of Sioux City starter John Straka with a two-run single from Brian Erie that gave the T-Bones a 6-5 lead. Erie, who went hitless in three games at St. Paul during the weekend, ended Monday’s game with a three-for-four performance with three RBIs.

The T-Bones, however couldn’t escape the big inning. Chris Squires (2-3) took the loss for Kansas City as he loaded the bases with two walks and a hit batter before allowing four hits in the sixth. Sioux City would score five runs against Squires and take a 9-6 lead. For good measure, the Explorers added three additional runs in the seventh against Jared Messer.

Kansas City’s offense got going early RBI hits from Erie and T.J. Mittelstaedt in the second inning. The T-Bones added two more runs in the third on a two-out, two-run single from Nick Schwaner that scored Ray Sadler and Danny Richar, and extended Kansas City’s lead to 4-0.

The T-Bones (27-30) look to rebound Tuesday night against Sioux City (25-32) with a 7:05 first pitch from Lewis and Clark Park. The game can be heard on 1660-AM or online at tbonesbaseball.com.

Box score: http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/boxscoretext.html?gameid=177973
– Story from T-Bones

Espinosa, Regas selected to All-Star team

The American Association announced that infielder David Espinosa and pitcher Kris Regas will represent the T-Bones on the South team in the All-Star Game on July 29 in Winnipeg.

“I’m excited for Regas and Espinosa,” said T-Bones manager John Massarelli. “With Regas as one of the league’s top closers and Espy among league leaders in several offensive categories, they’re great selections.”

Espinosa, who has been selected as a “utility player,” has been a force for Kansas City offensively this season, hitting .298 with a .410 on-base percentage. He leads the league in triples with 10, while also ranking 10th in doubles (16), fifth in extra-base hits (27) and fifth in walks (41). Espinosa has been versatile for the T-Bones, playing left field, first base and designated hitter.

Regas has been the anchor for the Kansas City bullpen in 2014 with a 2.17 ERA and 34 strikeouts in only 37 1/3 innings of work. The left-hander is 4-1 this season and is tied for third in the league with 12 saves.

Espinosa and Regas will join the rest of the South team on Tuesday, July 29, as they take on the North at Shaw Park in Winnipeg for the league’s first All-Star Game since 2010.
– Story from T-Bones