TAKING THE PULSE OF HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS University considers it the highest of honors when consumers and patients rank their hospital with high marks when it comes to preference and patient satisfaction, and that was a recurring theme in 2005. Last year, consumer and patient feedback resulted in the following: •
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University Health Care System received the Consumer Choice Award for the C.S.R.A. for the seventh year in a row. The award is based on an independent survey of consumers conducted by National Research Corporation to recognize the most preferred hospitals in metropolitan areas across the country. University is one of an elite group of hospitals nationwide, and the only one in our region, to receive the award each year since 1999. University was a clear leader among consumers in 15 categories including Best Overall Quality, Best Nurses, Most Preferred Heart Care and Most Preferred Women’s Health/Gynecology. In 2005 University Hospital’s patient satisfaction scores reached an all time high with both inpatient and outpatient scores reaching the goal of being in the 90th percentile. Many areas exceeded this goal, including the 10 West Cancer Unit, Open Heart Recovery, Cardiac Catheterization, Minor Surgery/Endoscopy, Speech Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Laboratory, Home Health, the Chest Pain Area of the Emergency Department and the Pediatric Emergency Department. Readers of The Columbia News-Times voted University their “Favorite Hospital” in the 2005 Community Choice Awards. Readers of The Augusta Chronicle’s Richmond County Neighbors section voted University their “Favorite Hospital” in the 2005 Community Choice Awards. Readers of the Augusta Metro Parent voted University “Best Place to Give Birth” in 2005. WELCOMING PATIENTS SERVED BY BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA In July, 2005, University Hospital became a contracted hospital provider for area residents enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia health plans. Through two managed care provider agreements, more than 1,500 businesses representing approximately 145,000 covered lives in the Central Savannah River area now have network access to University Hospital. University had worked diligently for years with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, spurred on by the ongoing requests from area businesses and their employees. Both parties were excited that after almost 12 years, these agreements came to fruition. PROVIDING FOR SENIORS -- ONE OF OUR MOST VALUED RESOURCES In 2005, University purchased full interest in Brandon Wilde, making University the sole owner of this nationally recognized life care community. Brandon Wilde encourages people to live as independently and actively as they wish, secure in the knowledge that additional support and services are available should they need them. In addition to independent living, Brandon Wilde offers assisted living and skilled nursing care, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in its licensed health center. Residents have priority access to these facilities. The facility celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2005.
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