By Mary O’KEEFE

For the third consecutive year Adventist Health Glendale has been named in the top 5% of hospitals statewide and the top 10% of Los Angeles area hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its ranking of 2021-22 “Best Hospitals.”

“First and foremost we ranked 12 out of 130 [area hospitals],” said Alice Issai, president Adventist Health Glendale.

Issai explained that the ranking is 75% objective and 25% subjective, or opinion.

Some of the questions, she said, dealt with the hospital’s reputation and if patients would return or recommend the facility. In that category the rating was high as well. This is important, especially because it was during the time of pandemic that the hospital was reviewed by U.S. News & Report.

The hospital has consistently received a safety grade of “A.”

“That demonstrates how our process is hardwired,” she added.

This safety grade for hospitals will show patients how well the facility prevents infections while encouraging hand washing, supporting strong health care teams and following protocols that are in place to prevent errors.

“These are exceptional achievements that make us proud,” said Issai.

Issai added she feels Adventist Health Glendale receives these high ratings because of their intensivists, or specialists, in specific care and treatment.

Receiving the honors is especially impressive because hospitals, like other medical centers throughout the country and the world, have faced the most challenging times during the pandemic – which are occurring again.

Adventist Health Glendale has seen an increase in cases of COVID-19 patients at their hospital.

“We are at 53 [patients as of Tuesday],” she said. “It is horrible; we see more every day.”

This follows a downturn in the number of COVID-19 patients seen at LA County hospitals; the Delta variant and unvaccinated people are the reasons that numbers are on the rise and nurses, doctors and all medical staff are bracing for even more cases.

“It has been very tiring. Our nurses are exhausted. Our pharmacists are exhausted. It is taking a toll on us,” she said. “It is so upsetting that [individuals in] our community are not getting vaccinated.”

But through it all, the staff has remained professional and supportive of the hospital and has responded positively to surveys and feedback distributed to those working at Adventist Health Glendale.

“It is a very special culture here,” she added. “[The staff] loves this hospital, and that is very heartwarming.”

The awards and recognition is an honor but Issai said they are continuing to work to keep their positive reputation, to support their staff as the Delta variant continues to take a toll and provide the most advanced health care that is for all areas of need not just the pandemic.

Doctors, nurses and all staff at the hospital continue to work and support each other. The staff including Issai did not work remotely but stayed in person at the hospital to make certain all were there to show support, and now as they deal with another wave they continue to be prepared for what the future will bring.

“We are staying ahead of the curve,” she said.