Methodist Hospital Wins National Improvement Award

Press Ganey Associates, the nation’s leading health care satisfaction measurement and improvement firm, has named Methodist Hospital Division of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital a 2006 Compass Award Winner.

Bestowed annually, the Compass Award recognizes facilities that show the most improvement over two years in overall patient satisfaction. It is a coveted symbol of achievement in the health care satisfaction industry. One of only 44 facilities to receive this honor, Methodist Hospital has been acknowledged for the most improved Emergency Department, based on patient satisfaction survey results.

Dr. Melvin F. Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Press Ganey noted, "We are proud partners of Methodist Hospital. Their dedication to continuous improvement serves as a model for all.”

Upon accepting the award, James Robinson, CEO of Methodist Hospital, said, “Our entire team of physicians, nurses, staff and administration is committed to serving the health care needs of South Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. I believe this award shows that we, at Methodist Hospital, are also listening to what our patients want, and are following through with actions.”

A comprehensive project to improve patient flow throughout the Emergency Department began in August 2004 based on patient survey results, though operational changes had been initiated earlier that year when the hospital completed its merger with St. Agnes. “We wanted to make the Emergency Department the ‘front door’ to Methodist,” said
Mr. Robinson.

Patients and their loved ones can now expect the same compassionate and comprehensive care in a newly refurbished and meticulously maintained Emergency facility. Methodist medical specialists and staff have been working together to bring patients the optimum combination of first-rate care, supported by new equipment, faster registration, and enhanced communication. This is in addition to more immediate radiological testing and results, due to the construction of a new general radiology and CT room located inside the Emergency Department.

Mr. Robinson added, “At Methodist, every member of the staff feels it’s our number one priority to provide the best care to our patients. We’re proud that in so doing, we continuously strive to improve.”

Press Ganey partners with health care facilities and organizations to measure the level of customer satisfaction and to improve their quality of health care delivery. The company currently works with more than one-third of U.S. inpatient hospitals to allow facilities nationwide to benchmark their results against peer organizations.