Kansas University Hospital marked its 10th year as an independent state authority with a record high number of patients and operating revenue.

“I think it’s been one of the most successful years we’ve had when you think about everything that is going on here,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of KU Hospital.

He cited the hospital’s affiliation agreement with KU Medical Center and KU Physicians Inc. as one example of a significant achievement. Another one was implementing the first phase of a new electronic medical records system.

“Those two by themselves are enough to go out and celebrate, and we did all of that and at the same time we had record numbers in patient satisfaction, we had record numbers in volume and a strong year financially.”

KU released its fiscal year 2008 annual report on Thursday. Among its accomplishments during the fiscal year, which ended June 30, were:

¢ There were 22,393 patients, up 7 percent compared to a year ago and up 71 percent compared to 10 years ago.

¢ Outpatient visits climbed to 298,920, up 10 percent from 2007 and up 117 percent from 1998.

¢ There were 43,392 emergency room visits, up 5 percent from a year ago.

¢ Operating revenue was $668.6 million, a 13 percent increase over last year. KU Hospital has been able to maintain an A bond rating from major national rating agencies because of its financial stability.

¢ The hospital provided $46 million for the educational and research missions of KU Medical Center and the School of Medicine. It was an increase of $16 million over the previous year.

Page expects the coming years to be just as impressive.

“Even though we’ve hit records, it’s still not the ultimate goal,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to be the best hospital in the country. That’s not a bragging rights thing where we are talking just so we can beat our chests. We want it to be a data-driven statement – one where we can stand up and substantiate with real outcomes for patients.”