by
Loren B. Hamel, MD - President, Spectrum Health Lakeland |
Aug 2, 2021
Do you like surprises? I normally do. When the unexpected comes along, you know at least things are going to get interesting. I know the thought of a surprise can cause trepidation in some.
There is one surprise in health care we can always count on. That’s a visit from the Joint Commission. We never know when they’re coming!
Recently we had one of those visits, and it was no surprise to me that our Lakeland team members did well. Over the course of several days, Joint Commission surveyors evaluated us in more than one thousand areas to ensure we are providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.
And it wasn’t a surprise that so many team members stepped forward and volunteered to act as escorts and scribes, while others filled in for those who were busy with their roles.
During this time, we started hearing something over and over again from the Joint Commission. One important thing really stood out to them. They complimented our culture: our friendliness, our compassion, and our professionalism. I believe they recognized that we truly bring our hearts to work every day.
They also acknowledged that we’re coming off some of the hardest years ever. But our findings showed that we are still in great shape in about 1,400 areas. That’s really something to celebrate! Let me give you just a few examples of some of our compliance superstars. These stand-out areas had no findings or significant reductions in findings from the last visit.
In 2017, Human Resources had 4 findings. In 2021, they had 0 findings! Great work, Kristi Grant and team!
In 2017, Medical Staffing had 3 findings. In 2021, Medical Staffing had 0 findings! Great work, Stephanie McNeil and team!
In 2017, Infection Prevention had 19 findings. In 2021, Infection Prevention had just 2 findings! Great work, Tia Klein and team!
In 2017, Medication Management had 20 findings. In 2021, Medication Management had 3 findings! Great work, Jason Lovero and team!
In 2017, Home Care had 32 findings. In 2021, Home Care had 21 findings! Great work, Joe Effa and team!
In 2017, patient care had 25 findings. In 2021, patient care had 22 findings! Great work, Natalie Baggio and team!
We really have improved, and in some areas we still have some room to do better. Some may sound like picky things, but they are all related to safety. We expect the Joint Commission to come back soon and double check a few areas to ensure we are 100% compliant. So, I want to thank you for all you do to make sure we are 100% compliant, everywhere, every day.
Our results tell a story. They represent lives saved, improved outcomes, and increased value. They represent how your hard work and talent can turn into wonderful achievements that benefit our organization and our community. That’s no surprise to me.
If you would like to read more of Message from the President, click here