The King County Council Monday recognized Valley Medical Center for its excellence in healthcare and its nationally recognized financial management and award-winning work environment.

“I am very proud to present Valley Medical Center with this recognition,” said council member Julia Patterson, the sponsor of the recognition, in a county press release.

“The medical center has been providing exemplary medical services to South King County residents for almost 65 years, while continuously improving its financial management practices and creating a workplace where all employees feel appreciated,” she said.

Valley Medical Center, Washington’s Public Hospital District No. 1, is the oldest and largest hospital district in Washington State. It operates a full-service hospital, Emergency Room and Level III Trauma Center, and more than two dozen primary care, walk-in urgent care and specialty clinics throughout Southeast King County.

The hospital district has been recognized for its care of those suffering from heart conditions and strokes, and is ranked No. 1 in Washington State and among the top two percent in the U.S. for overall orthopedic services, joint replacement and spine surgery by HealthGrades.

“Our mission and focus has always been to improve the health of our community, and in recent years, VMC has expanded to meet the demands of a growing southeast King County community,” said Valley Medical Center CEO Rich Roodman. “We have added new primary care and urgent care clinics out into neighborhoods for easy access for our residents, elevated the expertise of our clinicians and staff to support our medical programs, and have expanded our comprehensive programs and services to ensure patient safety and exceptional care for all members of our community regardless of their ability to pay.”

In October 2011, for the 10th consecutive year, Valley Medical Center earned a “no findings” audit report from the office of Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and was identified as “a model for other entities” in Washington State.

The medical center has also received national awards for budgeting, including the outstanding achievement in budgeting from the Governmental Financial Officers ‘Association (GFOA). Valley Medical Center is the only west coast public hospital district that has achieved this award.