Thomason Hospital is now ranked among the nation's top 100 hospitals by Thomson Healthcare, a national health-care information company.

It is the only hospital in the region to make the list, and the distinction may mean that Thomason, in the midst of a large expansion project, can more easily recruit the doctors and other staff needed as it becomes a university medical center.

"This recognition is not only important for Thomason Hospital, but for the Texas Tech medical school and all of El Paso," hospital Board of Managers Chairman Ron Acton said Tuesday. "We are your not-for-profit hospital, and this recognition reinforces why we are the hospital of choice in El Paso."

This is the 15th year the group has named the nation's top 100 hospitals from more than 3,000 across the country. Hospitals are ranked on patient outcomes, patient safety, national treatment standards, efficiency and financial stability.

"It sounds right," said Kristina Perez, whose young son, Jose Perez, was treated at the hospital this week.

"They're real nice here. They've been very helpful and they show they actually feel compassion for him. It seems they actually care about him getting better."

Thomason was listed in the category of teaching hospitals. It is the third time the hospital has received the distinction, the previous time occurring around 1996, hospital CEO Jim Valenti said.

He said the hospital has again reached the top 100 status with efforts to change the hospital's culture, develop a focused clinically based, community-based strategic plan and increased financial accountability.

"Our journey is just beginning. We have a lot to do," Valenti said.

The hospital is prepared to grow this year with the recent groundbreaking of a Northeast clinic, and the coming groundbreakings for a hospital expansion and a children's hospital.

"Our values set us apart from other hospitals in the community and the nation," Valenti said. "This hospital is for everyone."

Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132.