(Logansport), Ind. – The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) recognized Logansport Memorial Hospital on November 18 at The Marten House in Indianapolis for their work to reduce patient harm by 40 percent and readmissions by 20 percent over the past three years. The recognition is based on the results of a national campaign known as Partnership for Patients, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve quality and patient safety at hospitals nationwide.
Logansport Memorial Hospital was one of 116 hospitals that partnered with IHA to form a statewide engagement network, Coalition for Care, and participate with the American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET) in this ambitious initiative. These hospitals came together to work collaboratively on patient safety efforts, and not compete on safety.
“All of our physicians and staff at Logansport Memorial Hospital should feel proud of the improvements we have achieved in regard to patient safety and quality,” said Jeanette Huntoon, Chief Executive Nurse. “By collaborating with IHA and applying the best practices that have been proven to work in our industry, we can provide even better treatment for our patients.”
Member hospitals attended educational sessions offered through IHA and HRET to address readmissions, falls and patient and family engagement, among others, and in the last three years, there have been 3,800 participants in educational programs. In 2014, 59 regional patient safety coalition meetings were held across the state. Lean Six Sigma training has been instrumental, with 297 Lean Six Sigma green belts and 176 Lean Six Sigma black belts being trained. There are now 68 hospitals with patient and family advisory councils. Logansport Memorial Hospital had 8 individuals receiving Lean Six Sigma training during the course of three years.
“This is proof that efforts to identify harms and reduce readmissions are working. Our hospitals should be commended for their continued commitment to improving patient care. Indiana hospitals have had many accomplishments in the past three years, and will continue this work in 2015 to improve the overall health and well-being of our state,” said Doug Leonard, president of the Indiana Hospital Association.
LOGANSPORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PROUDLY ACCEPTED THE BANNER THAT WILL HANG ON OUR HOSPITAL CAMPUS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT IN QUALITY CARE. PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: KATHY WALLACE - IHA REPRESENTATIVE, TARA MCVAY - LMH DIRECTOR OF NURSING, JEANETTE HUNTOON - LMH CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, AND CAROLYN KONFIRST - IHA REPRESENTATIVE.
Logansport Memorial Hospital is an 83-bed, HFAP accredited, regional medical center providing healthcare services to residents in Cass County and the surrounding areas of north central Indiana.
Indiana Hospital Association is a non-profit organization that serves as the professional trade association for 164 Hoosier hospitals. These members are either independent or a member of one of the 23 systems in the state. Membership includes hospitals, multi-hospital systems and community mental health centers. The mission of the IHA is to provide leadership, representation and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. IHA’s primary responsibility is to represent the interests of hospitals in matters of public policy. IHA also provides members with education, communications and data collection services.
