News from Hilo Medical Center
News from Hilo Medical Center December 2015
Hilo Medical Center
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East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
As the Big Island’s leading providers of inpatient and outpatient care, the East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), consisting of Hilo Medical Center, Hale Hoola Hamakua and Kau Hospital, delivers a full range of services and programs. Our three hospitals include 373 beds and over 1,300 employees and a medical staff comprised of 250 physicians, physician assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, representing 33 specialties. The region has a network of 10 outpatient clinics offering primary and specialty care. Hilo Medical Center functions as a Level III Trauma Center, which includes the second busiest emergency room in the state, providing 24-hour care and serving more than 44,000 patients annually. Hale Hoola Hamakua and Kau Hospital are designated as Critical Access Hospitals.
The East Hawaii Region of HHSC is part of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawaii to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown healthcare.
For more information, go to: http://www.hilomedicalcenter.org, http://www.halehoolahamakua.org or http://www.kauhospital.org.
Hilo Medical Center Ranks as Top Performing Hospital in Hawaii
Nationwide ranking in the top 2% for preventing hospital-acquired conditions
Hilo Medical Center continues to receive national attention for its transformation to one of Hawaii’s top performing hospitals.
“Last week, we were informed that Hilo Medical Center had the best scores in the state for preventing hospital-acquired conditions,” said Dan Brinkman, East Hawaii Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. “In fact, just 54 hospitals in the country posted better scores. This ranking demonstrates the high quality of our services that result in better outcomes for our patients.”
l to r: Chad Shibuya, Infection Control Director; Pedro Odasco, Environmental Services Worker; Tandy Newsome, Quality Management Director; Noriko Panek, Critical Care Unit Nurse; Dr. Francis Cavanaugh and Darrel Mosher, Respiratory Therapy Manager; all contribute to Hilo Medical Center’s success in preventing hospital-acquired conditions and top ranking in the state.
Hospitals, both public and private nationwide, are required to track and measure key indicators. They are then ranked under the nation’s Department of Health and Human Services. Those hospitals that rank poorly are penalized by adjusted Medicare payments.
“Beyond the financial incentive, we have an incredible team of physicians, nurses, aides and housekeepers in all clinical areas who care deeply about our community and are committed to quality and patient satisfaction,” said Brinkman.
The ranking by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) scores Hilo Medical Center with a 1.5 for hospital-acquired conditions, placing it among the top 2% of the 3,308 hospitals across the nation involved in the CMS HAC Reduction Program. Hospitals in Hawaii were ranked (in order):
1. Hilo Medical Center
2. North Hawaii Community Hospital
3. Kuakini Medical Center
4. Kona Community Hospital
5. Castle Medical Center
6. Straub Clinic and Hospital
7. The Queen’s Medical Center
8. Kaiser Foundation Hospital
9. Wilcox Memorial Hospital
10. Wahiawa General Hospital
11. Pali Momi Medical Center
12. Maui Memorial Medical Center
Hilo Medical Center created multi-disciplinary teams to research best practices for minimizing patient infections, particularly with patients who have foley catheters, central lines, a surgical procedure, or are assisted by a ventilator. “Once these evidence-based practices were identified, we educated all clinical staff and tracked compliance data,” said Arthur Sampaga Jr., Chief Nursing Officer. “I applaud the clinical staff for making these best practices part of their everyday routine.”
“Our staff continues to find ways to produce exceptional results,” said Chad Shibuya, HMC Infection Control Director. “Everyone who touches a patient, including our housekeeping staff, helps maintain a safe environment and deserves credit for our excellence.”
Hilo Medical Center’s top Hawaii ranking follows several other recent honors and accolades recognizing important milestones in its transformation as a leading hospital in Hawaii.
Sharing Our ‘Buy Local” Message
What do Stephen Wong, Mike Dowsett, Virginia Maeda, Lisa Young, Chantelle Kaapuni-Figueroa, Dennis Vierra, Rosemarie Hurley, Gary Safarik, Stacie Mandaloniz, Chelden Caitano, Jacob Batalona, Barbara Beatty, and the Harmeling, Kurohara and Gancinias ohanas have in common? They’ve all shared their very personal stories of the excellent care they’ve received at Hilo Medical Center, Hale Ho’ola Hamakua and Ka’u Hospital.
Mahalo to our ambassadors who participated in our Hawaii Tribune-Herald and social media campaigns that feature the high quality healthcare East Hawaii residents receive right here at home.
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. 