Tampa General among region's best

When it comes to the best hospitals, the Tampa area is well stocked with high-performing health care, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

In its 2011 regional rankings of hospitals and health care facilities, Tampa General Hospital received the No. 1 spot in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, followed by Moffitt Cancer Center as No. 2.

U.S. News' website states that seven of Tampa General Hospital's specialties have top 50 rankings nationally, and five are “high performing.”

It noted that Moffitt's specialty in cancer is No. 18 in the nation, and the hospital is recognized for high-performing specialties in gastroenterology, gynecology and nephrology.

The area also received recognition for All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, which was listed as a top children's hospital. All Children's also ranked in the top 50 for pediatric specialties including cancer, and cardiology and heart surgery.

Farther south, Sarasota Memorial Hospital was recognized as having high-performing specialties in six areas. Although it was not ranked nationally, it had an 81% patient satisfaction rate, compared to a 65% state average and Tampa General's 71% satisfaction rate.

Naples Community Hospital had four high-performing specialties, but only a 61% patient satisfaction rate, according to the list.