Awards and Recognition

MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL NAMED 2009 MOST WIRED HOSPITAL

Mason General Hospital was recently named to the nation’s “Most Wired – Rural” hospital, according to the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. MGH also received this award in 2008.

The 100 Most Wired hospitals show better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates, and other key quality measures through the use of information technology (IT), according to a new analysis. Marking its 11th year, the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study continues to lead the field in analyses and benchmarking of healthcare IT.

“Once again, we are very excited to receive the prestigious ‘Most Wired’ hospital designation,” said Eric Moll, CAO at Mason General Hospital. “It reflects the on-going hard work of the staff to move our technology to the cutting edge of our industry. We are very committed to making sure we have the most advanced tools for providing the best patient care.”

Mason General Hospital continues to upgrade its technology including electronic medical record-keeping of patient information. “This designation doesn’t just focus on IT equipment but rather all areas of patient care” said Tom Hornburg, IT Director at MGH. “Technology makes patient care more efficient as it focuses on immediate delivery of the patient’s needs, making for better outcomes.”

“As the health reform debate continues, it’s clear that IT will play an even more important role in the health system of tomorrow,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). “Most Wired hospitals help illustrate IT in action—improving efficiency, quality and safety of care while helping to control costs.”

The Most Wired Survey is conducted annually by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, the journal of the AHA, which uses the results to name the 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems. It focuses on how the nation’s hospitals use information technologies for quality, customer service, public health and safety, business processes and workforce issues.

HOSPITAL AWARDED RECOGNITION IN DIABETES EDUCATION

Mason General Hospital’s Diabetes Wellness Center was recently awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association for its self-management education program. This prestigious award recognizes MGH for offering high-quality education services to its patients.  
           
This was a voluntary process on MGH’s part, but once recognized, the award assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education criteria.  Programs that achieve Recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide the most advanced information about diabetes management for patients.  
           
 “The criteria gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of the services they provide,” said Sue Barwick, R.N., certified diabetes educator, and director  of the Diabetes Wellness Center at MGH.  “And, of course, it helps consumers to identify these quality programs.”  
           
Professionals and staff who have contributed to this exclusive award are Michelle Merrin, Diabetes Wellness Center assistant; Kris Davies, Quality Improvement assistant; Terry Mallory, ARNP, diabetes nurse educator; Sarah Fulkerson, RD, certified diabetes educator; Candy Mattson, RD, diabetes dietitian educator; Mark Schlauderaff, MD, Diabetes Wellness Center director;  Diane Stillman, RN, COO, Diabetes Wellness Center advisory board member; Doug Haskins, Diabetes Wellness Center advisory board member; Bob Appel, CEO; and Eric Moll, CFO.  Additional professionals who regularly serve as expert faculty in the outpatient Living Well With Diabetes classes are John Rice, M. D,  James Wright, M.D. , Gretchen Rice, MSW,  and Cheryl Woods, PT.

MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL NAMED 2008 “MOST WIRED” HOSPITAL
Patient Satisfaction Higher at “Most Wired” Hospitals
           
Mason General Hospital was recently named to the nation’s “Most Wired – Rural” hospitals, according to the results of the 2008 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.
           
The 100 Most Wired hospitals show better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates, and other key quality measures through the use of information technology (IT), according to a new analysis.  Marking its 10th year, the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study continues to lead the field in analyses and benchmarking of healthcare IT. 
           
“We are very excited to receive the prestigious ‘Most Wired’ hospital designation,” said Eric Moll, CFO at Mason General Hospital. “It reflects the hard work of the staff to move our technology to the cutting edge of our industry.  We are very committed to making sure we have the most advanced tools for providing the best patient care.”
           
Mason General Hospital most recently upgraded its technology to include electronic medical record-keeping of patient information. “This designation doesn’t just focus on IT equipment but rather all areas of patient care” said Tom Hornburg, IT Director at MGH. “Technology makes patient care more efficient as it focuses on immediate delivery of the patient’s needs, making for better outcomes.”

“Health IT has shown incredible promise in helping us improve the quality and safety of the care hospitals deliver every day,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “The results of the “Most Wired” survey confirm that today’s patient also understands the benefits of IT in improving care and improving the overall hospital experience.”
           
“Today’s results add to the growing evidence that the appropriate use of IT can enhance both quality and patient satisfaction,” said Alden Solovy, executive editor of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. “Most Wired” hospitals are proving the fundamental value of information technology.
           
The analysis shows that better outcomes occur among high tech hospitals, but it does not establish a direct causal relationship between technology and outcomes. The satisfaction analysis was conducted jointly with Press Ganey Associates, and the quality analysis was conducted jointly with Thomson Healthcare.

HOSPITAL RECEIVES STATE AWARD FOR $5,000 AS TOP PERFORMER

Washington Hospitals Self-Insured Workers' Compensation trust plan recently presented Mason General Hospital with a check for $5,000 for being a “2006 Top Performer” for their performance in claims and safety management, which resulted in an improved safety record.

“Being the Top Performer is a significant way to address using best practices and receive acknowledgement for doing so,” said the Trust. Bob Appel, CEO at MGH, (far right) presented the check to Trina Gustafson, human resources, who administers the injury claims program and Dave Pearch, safety officer at MGH. Hospital district commissioners Scott Hilburn (far left) and Don Wilson (second from right) helped make the presentation. The check will be used for future enhancements in the safety program.

Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire recently announced that the Washington Health Information Collaborative selected Olympic Physicians, PLLC, Shelton, to be one of the 49 recipients for awards of up to $20,000 for health information technology.  The awards are to be used to implement and upgrade technology in small hospitals, community clinics and private medical practices across Washington. 

Olympic Physicians plans to use the award to purchase electronic health records (EHR) and other computerized patient management systems and establish an online connection to Mason General Hospital, local pharmacies and laboratories.  This will help to make current patient information immediately available, expand their ability to extract and analyze data from patient files, create secure systems to communicate with employees by email and share patient records with other healthcare providers, and purchase computers for exam rooms. 
                         
“The central purpose in these technology awards is to help make the best possible healthcare available to patients throughout the Northwest,” said Ken Hamm, president and CEO of First Choice Health.  “Until now, this has been much too expensive for small and rural hospitals and physician practices.  Our aim is to bring many more people into the 21st century healthcare treatment room.”
           
Olympic Physicians’ staff includes local internal medicine specialist, Mark L. Schlauderaff, M.D.; Douglas F. Lindahl, D.O.; Diana E. Velikova, M.D.; and family practice specialist, Rebecca Hendryx, M.D.

MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL RECOGNIZED FOR HIGH-QUALITY CARE IN BARIATRIC SURGERY

Mason General Hospital recently received notice that it has been named an American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.
           
To earn a Center of Excellence designation, MGH underwent a documentation and policy review and site inspection during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected.
             
“Due to the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity and the inherent risks and the opportunities available greatly improve the health of this patient population, we recognize the need to implement a systematic approach to improving quality,” said Bob Appel, CEO at MGH.  “At MGH we believe that the ASBS Centers of Excellence program will serve as a catalyst, driving strong programs to get even better. We have done our part, and we urge our peers to join the effort.”

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous standards with which MGH  and other Centers of Excellence must comply, thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth by SRC for ASBS.

Bob Appel Receives Prestigious Hospital Award: “Joe Hopkins Memorial Award” Hospital Association Recognizes Outstanding Leadership

On October 13, 2006, Bob Appel, CEO of Mason General Hospital, was awarded the prestigious Joe Hopkins Memorial Award from the Washington State Hospital Association.

The award is named after a former hospital association chair and hospital administrator who lost his battle with cancer in 1987. The award was created in honor of Hopkins’ outstanding leadership and special qualities of warmth, persistence, insight, hardworking attitude, and humor.  The award recognizes those who exhibit similar qualities in service to hospitals in Washington state, and honors leaders from both sides of the Cascades, from hospitals large and small.

Appel is the CEO of Mason General Hospital in Shelton, Wash. and was widely praised as a model of compassion, hard work, and real solutions.

“Bob’s staff called him ‘the best boss I’ve ever had’ and his colleagues described him as a caring, thoughtful person who has met health care challenges with optimism and enthusiasm,” said Leo Greenawalt, president of the Washington State Hospital Association. “We are thrilled to recognize Bob’s outstanding contribution to the health of his entire community.”

Appel’s nomination came for his work in a variety of areas, including:

• His leadership in founding MASON MATTERS, a program which seeks to reduce the causes and effects of domestic violence and teen pregnancy in Mason County. MASON MATTERS has increased domestic violence resources, founded a free teen clinic, and developed a web-based network to enhance health services for the Latino community.
• His commitment to increased medical interpretation services for non-Englis speakers in Mason County;
• His energetic work in the CHOICE Regional Health Network, which improves access to health care for the uninsured and underserved populations.

“Bob has worked hard to bring needed services to the District over his nearly 15 years of tireless service,” said Public Hospital District Commissioner Don Wilson in his letter of nomination. “When he sees a way to enhance quality of life, he finds a group of people who share that passion and rallies them to performance. His leadership is extraordinary and it allows the people who work with him to shine and blossom.”

The Washington State Hospital Association represents all of Washington’s 98 community hospitals.  The association takes a major leadership role in issues that affect delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability and continuity of health care.  It works to improve the health status of the residents of Washington State.

HOSPITAL’S TOM DIDONNA TO TEACH INTERNATIONALLY

Tom DiDonna, R.N., education coordinator at Mason General Hospital, was recently asked to lead a delegation of physicians and nurses to represent the American Heart Association in a voluntary, international Advanced Resuscitation educational endeavor in Paraguay the end of November.
           
Tom, two American physicians, and physicians from Costa Rica and Panama will teach upwards of 30 Paraguayan physicians in the skills necessary to implement the new guidelines for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support for the patients in their country. Tom has also secured resources to bring life saving defibrillators to Paraguay as they are in short supply of such equipment.
           
 “This is very exciting,” said Tom, after receiving the request. “To be able to take what I teach in our community and teach it internationally, is a great honor.”  Tom is a member of the National Faculty for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support as well a certified instructor. Tom teaches various American Heart Association courses throughout the year at Mason General Hospital and actively volunteers to teach in other regions of the state for instructor updates.  

TERRY MEGIVERON APPOINTED CLINIC DIRECTOR FOR HOSPITAL DISTRICT   

Terry Megiveron, former regional manager for MultiCare Health System in South King County, is the new director of outpatient clinics for Mason General Hospital.  In this newly created position, Terry will oversee the North Mason Medical Clinic in Belfair and Oakland Bay Pediatrics in Shelton.

Terry has worked in the healthcare field for 20 years, starting in the medical records department of a large primary care clinic in Portland, Oregon.  He worked in both clinics and hospitals as he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Sciences from the University of Portland, Oregon, in 1992.  He has held leadership positions for the past ten years for large integrated health systems, responsible for service delivery of primary care, specialty care, urgent care and ancillary services.  He is currently working on his Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Troy State University, Alabama.

“I look forward to the challenging projects the Clinics have to offer,” said Megiveron.  “I am impressed with the collaboration and caring nature displayed by the hospital district and clinics.  Healthcare facilities are an integral part of the community and I will work to help meet the needs of the patients we serve, and integrate the clinics into the fabric of the community.”

Terry grew up in Southwest Washington near Vancouver and lived and worked there most of his life.  He enjoys the outdoors of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, traveling and boating.  He spends most of his free time exploring the waters of Puget Sound.

MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL RE-DESIGNATED LEVEL FOUR TRAUMA FACILITY     

SHELTON, Wash. - Mason General Hospital recently completed the Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) re-designation for a level four trauma facility.

"This was a very intense application that requires many high standards in order to obtain designation," said Cheryl Ann Graf, ARNP, MSN and MBA, emergency department (ED) director.   "This re-designation is very important to the citizens of Mason County as it is another level of quality care that is offered daily at Mason General Hospital."  

Mason General Hospital employs a Trauma Nurse Coordinator, Terri Gushee, BSN, certified emergency services nurse, who monitors, coordinates and organizes the trauma services. Her responsibilities also include quality assessment and improvement, clinical, and system management with ongoing trauma education and regulatory compliance.

Mason General Hospital's Level Four designation allows initial resuscitation and stabilization of trauma patients. This designation means that all emergency department physicians are residency trained and board certified/prepared in emergency medicine.   All MGH's ED nurses are trauma trained and have on going trauma education. Trauma trained surgeons and trauma critical care services are also available.

The ED works closely with emergency medical service (EMS) providers to employ physician directed protocols that provide on-site care to injured trauma patients.   The protocols determine whether to activate the trauma system from the field or at the hospital.  

The "Trauma Team Activation" at MGH is an automatic response from a predetermined group of clinically trained providers. Rapid resuscitation and stabilization of trauma patients is then completed and the patient is then transferred to an appropriate hospitals, based on specific care needs, for the remainder of their care.

In 1990, the Washington State Legislature passed the "Statewide Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care System Act." This act mandated that the DOH develop a comprehensive emergency medical services and trauma care system.   The DOH was given authority to designate hospitals and other healthcare facilities to provide trauma care services for adult and pediatric trauma patients. Every three years the DOH releases applications for trauma service designations. A formal application process with a site review is done by the DOH.

The designated Trauma Service Levels in Washington State range from one to five. Level one facilities provide the highest level of definitive and comprehensive surgical and medical care for trauma patients with multiple and complex injuries requiring the most specialized care. Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, is the state's only Level One facility.