Milwaukee, WI (Oct. 3, 2008) — Froedtert Hospital is the most-preferred hospital in southeastern Wisconsin, earning the National Research Corporation’s 2008-2009 Consumer Choice Award for the sixth time in seven years. The award recognizes hospitals across the United States that healthcare consumers consider to have the highest quality and image. Froedtert was one of just three hospitals in Wisconsin to make the list, achieving top ranking for best overall quality, best doctors, best nurses and best image and reputation.

The organizations selected for the Consumer Choice Awards are chosen by people who live in the communities the hospitals serve. To determine the winners, NRC conducts an annual Healthcare Market Guide survey of more than 400,000 consumers throughout the United States. Nationwide, 3,200 hospitals were named by consumers who participated in the survey.

"As the region’s only academic medical center, we take our leadership role very seriously and believe we should set the standard for quality care,” said William D. Petasnick, president and CEO of Froedtert Hospital. “Being consistently chosen for this award underscores the confidence our patients and our community have in the care we provide."

National Research Corporation is an industry leader in healthcare performance measurement and improvement, with more than two decades of experience in conducting performance studies for healthcare organizations. Its annual Healthcare Market Guide survey is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive study of its kind. For more information, visit http://hcmg.nationalresearch.com/.

Date: Oct. 3, 2008