Pioneers Medical Center Joins “Patients Matter” Coalition

Meeker, CO - February 19, 2007 – During the February Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) Board of Directors Meeting, approval was given for the participation of PMC in a statewide hospital coalition initiated by the Colorado Hospital Association. “Patients Matter- Hospitals and Nurses Care” is a program focused on continuing the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. Pioneers Medical Center has already collaborated in a variety of patient care and safety initiatives at the State and national level. The commitment to continue that record, and improving it, is the objective of the Coalition. “Patients Matter” is an initiative to continuously improve every aspect that influences patient care.

“This is an important initiative for Pioneers Medical Center and the Board of Directors to support,” stated Kris Borchard, President of the PMC Board of Directors. “As the Board, we have a responsibility to our patients, and to provide a positive working environment for our doctors, nurses, and all PMC staff who deliver our services.”

The “Patients Matter” Initiative focuses on seven priorities: 1) Provide appropriate staffing to meet patient needs, 2) Promote interdisciplinary teamwork, 3) Develop competencies that support and enhance patient well-being, 4) Encourage professional development, 5) Support nursing at all levels to ensure excellent care, 6) Address quality and safety concerns of patients, and 7) Schedule work hours are reasonable.

“We feel that these seven areas are already part of the Pioneers culture,” continued Borchard. “But we cannot take quality or service for granted. By participating in the “Patients Matter” initiative, the Board is re-affirming our commitment to our patients and staff.”

The monthly Board meeting also included discussion of a draft 2007 Management Plan, which includes six strategic goals identified through a strategic plan developed in 2005. One of the Strategic Goals is to expand the range of services provided in the PMC service area of eastern Rio Blanco County. “For a rural medical center, we offer a broad range of services, and are fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated staff,” stated Robert Omer, Pioneers Medical Center CEO. “We are working to identify community health needs, and develop local programs and services whenever feasible. Matching needs and resources will continue to be a high priority.”

The Board reviewed five other Strategic Goals, including:
• Creating a work environment that attract, retains and rewards a top-notch workforce,
• Delivering excellent patient care in a customer-friendly manner,
• Investing in technology and facility enhancements that improve patient care and operational performance,
• Strengthening relationships with our communities and the region, and
• Assuring the availability of financial resources to support and sustain PMC’s ongoing growth and development.

The Medical Staff Report included an update from Dr. Albert Krueger, PMC Medical Director, regarding the development of a new computerized Patient Registry, building on the success of the Diabetes Registry that was implemented in 2006. The new Registry will strengthen patients’ on-going care by notifying a patient when it is time for various preventive exams, such as cancer screenings. Detecting cancer early is one of the best ways to beat it. “The Diabetes Registry has been very successful in helping people manage their Diabetes, and has been recognized by State level organizations,” said Dr. Krueger. “We are hoping to have the same success with a comprehensive Patient Registry, that will focus on health promotion and disease prevention.” Dr. Krueger added.

The Board was informed that PMC was awarded a $13,000 grant from the Caring for Colorado Foundation. Margie Joy, Development & Community Relations Manager reported that the Pioneers Surgical Center will replace the O.R. Lights that are more than 10 years old, as well as purchase a pediatric endoscope. The new endoscope will allow Pioneers to provide more outpatient procedures locally. “We recognize that when a resident has to drive out of Meeker for a medical procedure, it increases their healthcare costs. Not only do they have the cost of the procedures, but additional travel time, gasoline costs, and lost time from work,” said Joy. “If Pioneers can utilize grant funding to purchase additional equipment and upgrade our technology, patients and the community all benefit. We are very appreciative of Caring for Colorado Foundation for the improvements this grant will make to our surgical center.”

Borchard made committee appointments for 2007 to five working committees. Will Grady will continue to serve on the PMC Compliance Committee, and Helen Stranathan will continue to serve on the Quality Council. Tom Allen and Diane Dunham will serve on an Ad-Hoc Billing Improvement Committee. Dondi Glasscock and Paul Sheridan will serve on the Joint Conference Committee, which includes Board, Medical Staff, and Administration. A new Facilities Committee was established, with all seven Directors appointed, as well as management representatives.

The Board of Directors also completed an annual “Self Assessment” survey, which will be tabulated by QHR for review at the March Board meeting. Bill Donatelli, Regional Vice President for QHR, commended the Board for their continued commitment to the self-assessment process, which demonstrates the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement in its governance role. Bill Donatelli also summarized a recent QHR survey of physicians regarding current medical practice issues across the country.

The Board also received reports regarding the operational transition of the new Health Service District, and approved a recommendation from the Medical Staff for appointment of Dr. Richard Udesky, a Radiologist associated with Mountain Radiology, Inc.

The next meeting of the PMC Board of Directors will be Thursday, March 15, 2007, at 6:00 PM in the Hospital Board Room.