Vermont ranks second in the nation (New Hampshire is first and Maine is third) for the quality of healthcare received by Medicare patients. Vermont’s 14 hospitals are all working together to keep that quality high. Between now and January 5, 2005, hospitals in Vermont will be conducting "Community Assessments", which will include interviews with key community members and public forums (Grace Cottage’s public meeting concerning the Community Assessment will be held in the fall). Results, both quantitative and qualitative, will be posted on all Vermont hospital websites by January 5, 2005. The six criteria for Vermont’s hospitals, are that health care should be: effective, patient-centered, safe, timely, efficient and equitable.