The Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research released the 2006 Hospital Quality Indicators, which is the state's third annual Web-based report on volume and death rates in hospitals for selected procedures and medical conditions.

Oregon Governor Kulongoski praised the third annual report, and said it reflects his commitment to improving the quality of health care Oregonians receive and making health care more affordable.

This report enables people to compare how hospitals perform on the medical conditions and procedures that relate to them personally," the Governor said. "With clear information about the costs, risks and benefits of care, consumers can make better decisions for themselves and their families. This continued effort, along with cost information, gives Oregonians the information they need to choose the best health care possible."

The in-hospital death rates in Oregon's 57 hospitals have not changed significantly since 2005. There was some variation at the hospital level in 2006. Most hospitals scored close to the state average but there were some hospitals that scored worse than the state average.

The report, which is a joint effort of the Office for Health Policy and Research and the Oregon Health Policy Commission, compares data gathered on 14 procedures and conditions, including stroke, hip fracture, pneumonia and heart bypass surgery. The comparisons focus on in-hospital volumes and death rates for certain conditions and inpatient procedures.