University Hospital has the best doctors, nurses, overall quality, image and reputation in the state.

For the fifth year in a row, Salt Lake City residents have ranked U Hospital as the No. 1 health-care facility in the state.

The National Research Corporation, which gives out the Consumer Choice Awards, releases a ranking every year for the top hospitals in the nation.

Along with 175 health-care facilities to receive this award nationwide, the U had many attributes that helped earn the award.

Consumers rated the U the highest in most-used Web site, orthopedics, neurology, oncology, mental-health services, physical therapy, technology and equipment, widest range of services and community health programs.

“Consumers play an increasing role in their selection of health-care facilities and services,” said Michael Hays, NRC president and CEO.

“As more information is made publicly available to consumers, we expect this trend to increase,” Hays said.

Of the 3,000 hospitals named by consumers in the study, the winning facilities rank highest in their metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The 2003 NRC Healthcare Market Guide Study surveyed more than 140,000 households, these households represented approximately 400,000 consumers in the contiguous 48 states, as well as the District of Columbia.

Ashley Engar