Covenant HealthCare

Covenant Takes It Up a Notch in Re-Accreditation as a Senior-Friendly ED

In 2019, Covenant received the Level III Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians. In fall of 2022, the Covenant Emergency Care Center earned a Level II GEDA, a three-year accreditation at the next highest level. “Covenant is one of only two hospitals in the State to be accredited as a Level II Geriatric Emergency Department,” says Risty T. Kalivas, DO, physician administrator for the Senior Emergency Care initiative at Covenant. “I am incredibly proud of our team for their constant pursuit of high-quality medical care for this vulnerable population; going to the next level for our patients and the community is so important.” As an Accredited Geriatric Emergency Department, Covenant adheres to a protocol-driven approach to geriatric care to provide superior, tailored care. Seniors who visit the emergency department can be assured that the facility has the necessary expertise, equipment and personnel in place to provide optimal care.

Jill Toporski, Director of the Covenant Emergency Care Center, says, “We’re excited that our dedication to this population has been recognized and look forward to many more years of building the best geriatric emergency department. This accreditation really speaks to our mission of extraordinary care for every generation.” The population of seniors in the United States has been growing steadily since 2011, which is the year the first Baby Boomers turned 65. Today individuals 65 and older represent 18.1 percent of Michigan’s population. By 2030 experts estimate that number will swell. Approximately 18 of the Covenant Emergency Care Center’s 65 beds have been designated for elderly patients. In designing an emergency center to meet the distinct needs of older patients, physicians, nurses, and hospital leaders included best practices such as: • Board-certified emergency doctors, nurses and residents with specialized training in the care of senior patients. Seniors not only feel comfortable, but also understood. • Senior-friendly rooms keep patients comfortable while social work support, assessments and goals maximize independence. • All medications are closely monitored to avoid interactions, and more. In addition to the Senior Emergency Care Center, Covenant also has the region’s only specialized Pediatric Emergency Care Center. Learn more at www.CovenantHealthCare.

Covenant Earns 9th Straight 'A' for Patient Safety!

Covenant HealthCare has once again received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022 — its NINTH consecutive "A." This national distinction recognizes the Covenant team’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. “Nine straight A’s for patient safety and quality is a big deal,” says Michael W. Sullivan, MD, Vice President of Quality Improvement/Chief Medical Officer. “This showcases the dedication of every member on the Covenant Team, not just once or twice every few years, but consistently over time.” The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as, systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. To see full grade details for Covenant HealthCare and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Covenant Medical Group Welcomes Dr. Mohammed Alkhateeb Joins Covenant Cardiology

Covenant HealthCare welcomes Mohammed Alkhateeb, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Alkhateeb joins the Covenant Cardiology team as a Cardiologist. The office is located at 2750 Main Street, Suite 3, Marlette, MI 48453 and he can be reached at 989.635.4023.

Dr. Houman Nourkeyhani Joins Covenant Oncology

Covenant HealthCare welcomes Houman Nourkeyhani, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Nourkeyhani joins the Covenant Oncology team specializing in Medical Oncology and Hematology. The office is located at 5400 Mackinaw, 5th Floor, Saginaw, MI 48604 and the team can be reached at 989.583.5060.