A group that rates health-care organizations has given St. Francis Medical Center a "Best in the Region," designation for overall orthopedic, vascular and stroke-treatment services, with a five-star rating in each area.

That places that Catholic Cape Girardeau hospital in the top 5 percent of the nation's hospitals for each of those areas, said St. Francis CEO Steve Bjelich at the hospital's annual meeting held Tuesday night at the Show Me Center.

"It's just one more example of the high level of skill demonstrated at St. Francis on a daily basis," Bjelich said. "It has truly put us in the national spotlight."

This is the third year in a row HealthGrades.com awarded the hospital with five stars in orthopedics and the second consecutive year the medical center is ranked "Best in Missouri" for overall orthopedic services.

The Thomas G. Otto, M.D., Orthopedic Institute also received five-star ratings for joint surgery, total knee replacement, hip fracture repair, partial hip surgery and back and neck surgery.

HealthGrades.com, based in Colorado, also awarded St. Francis the highest possible rating in vascular services, which also gave it a "Best in Missouri" ranking. Five-star ratings were also received for carotid endarterectomy, peripheral vascular interventional procedures and peripheral vascular bypass.

"We are honored to be recognized by HealthGrades.com with these five-star ratings," he said. "Having this information available is the real benefit for patients in the region."

St. Francis also handed copies of its annual report, which outlined some of the hospital's future projects. It noted that construction of the St. Francis Health and Wellness Center began in late summer. The medically integrated fitness facility, the report noted, will provide members and outpatient rehabilitation patients with a personalized approach to meeting goals of better health and fitness.

Bjelich also pointed out that new doctors have chosen to move their offices to the center when it's finished. He noted that the city's two biggest physician's groups will be on the hospital's campus when the center's finished.