2006 Community Benefit Report
Supporting Clinical Quality Nothing is more important than doing everything possible to help ensure quality patient care. University continuously studies the key factors influencing patient outcomes and implements programs to maximize clinical quality and patient safety. University was recognized as a leader for its performance throughout the year and garnered various awards and distinctions for clinical quality both regionally and nationally. University was named a Blue Distinction Provider for Cardiac Care by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. This means University’s cardiac program has met stringent quality criteria, as established by expert physician panels and national organizations, that demonstrate better outcomes, consistent care and greater value. The VHA Leadership Award for Operational Excellence was presented to University for receiving the Magnet designation. This award honors organizations that have differentiated themselves by achieving exceptionally high levels of performance. University is the only Magnet hospital in Augusta. Cancer Services at University Hospital received a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Receiving cancer care at an accredited facility assures the patient of state-of-the-art services and equipment, a multi-specialty team to coordinate treatment options, a cancer registry and access to cancer-related research, education and support.
Lynn M. Tucker, M.D., a general surgeon who practices at University Hospital, received a threeyear appointment to the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Tucker is among a national network of volunteer cancer liaison physicians who provide leadership and support to the Commission on Cancer. McKesson named University HealthService Center’s Congestive Heart Failure Line as a bronze ICARE Award Winner for 2006. The program is credited with decreasing Emergency Department visits, inpatient length of stay and readmission rates for monitored heart failure patients while enhancing the quality of their lives. As a nationally recognized Mentor Hospital, University played a significant role in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s quality improvement campaign during 2006. The 100,000 Lives Campaign, one of the largest health care quality improvement efforts in the nation’s history, focused on measurable patient safety initiatives. The National Research Corporation (NRC) named University Health Care System a clear winner of the Consumer Choice Award for 2006-07. This is the eighth consecutive year University has been recognized for best overall quality and image in the Augusta area. University is one of an elite group across the country and the only hospital in Augusta to win the award each year since 1999. University stepped-up its focus on customer satisfaction in 2006. Survey scores soared to the 90th percentile or higher. Our employees continue to focus on each interaction with every patient or family member as an opportunity to make a positive impression on their health care experience.
University’s Laboratory, including the Blood Bank, received accreditation from the College of American Pathology, the American Association of Blood Banks and the Food and Drug Administration.
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