Becker’s Hospital Review has named Phoenix’s Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center as one of the nation’s 100 Great Hospitals of 2012. The hospital was cited for its industry leadership and clinical innovations, as well as being one of the first 32 Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations in the country.

In order to develop the list, the Becker’s Hospital Review editorial staff accepted nominations, conducted research and considered other reputable hospital ranking sources such as U.S. News & World Report, Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals, HealthGrades, Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipients.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the hospitals on the list each have a special place in the story of American healthcare and have demonstrated greatness through clinical accolades, innovation in care delivery, recent capital developments, and the offering of new services, specialty programs or technology. Ranging in size and location, the reputable hospitals each saw noteworthy accomplishments in 2011 and will continue to make strides this year.

“Banner Good Samaritan is honored to be a part of this prestigious list,” said Larry Volkmar, Chief Executive Officer.  “For over 100 years, this hospital’s goal has been to provide the best care to our patients and the community.  We are proud of our numerous clinical innovations and industry leadership, thanks to a tremendous staff of physicians, nurses and employees who provide the highest quality care to our patients everyday.”

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has 668 beds and employs almost 1700 physicians and 4400 employees.  The hospital is ranked among the nation’s leading health care facilities for nursing care through the Magnet Recognition Program, as well as ranked nationally as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report.  The hospital also has one of the most sought after Graduate Medical Education programs in the United States.

Banner Good Samaritan has recorded a number of Arizona firsts, including the first Open-heart surgery in 1947; the first Kidney transplant in 1969; the first Liver transplant in 1983; and the birth of the first artificially conceived quadruplets in 1986.

For more information on Banner Good Samaritan, visit their website at bannerhealth.com.