Death rates in 335 state hospitals have been compared and analyzed by the state of California.
[TO SEE THE STATISTICS AND COMPARE THEM, CLICK HERE.]
The state compared death rates in hospitals between 2008 and 2009 for a dozen procedures including heart attack, pneumonia and stroke. Researchers took into account risk factors like age and other health problems.
In the East Bay, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center ranks among the strongest, with a 4- to 6-point death rate for acute heart attacks -- far below the state average.
In contrast, Highland Hospital reports a 14- to 16-point death rate for stroke patients -- compared to the 10.4 percent average.
