Pardee UNC Health Care has been ranked No.1 in North Carolina for Stroke Care and named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for a second consecutive year, according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. This achievement puts Pardee in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance of the most common conditions and procedures. Pardee is the only hospital in the state to be named with all three Healthgrades distinctions in 2023: one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. “Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times,” said Dr. Joel Callahan, Neurologist and Chief of Staff, Pardee UNC Health Care. “Earning this recognition as the top-ranked hospital in the state, our patients can feel confident knowing they have access to an exceptional team, committed to making sure they have the best possible outcome.”

In October, Pardee was also recognized with the following Stroke Care achievements by Healthgrades: 

• America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care for Three Years in a Row (2021-2023)  
• Stroke Care Excellence Award™ for Four Years in a Row (2020-2023)
• Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for Eight Years in a Row (2016-2023)

“Pardee is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines, investing in new technology and recruiting a talented workforce,” said Jay Kirby, President and CEO, Pardee UNC Health Care. “We’re proud of this recognition as it shows we are dedicated to ensuring our community can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top–performing hospitals. Patients treated at one of the 2023 America’s 100 Best Hospitals have, on average, a 25.5% lower risk of dying than if they were treated elsewhere.