The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative recently recognized Newton Medical Center for its successful participation in the second round of the national Hospital Engagement Network, known as HEN 2.0.
HEN 2.0 was a 12-month comprehensive patient safety initiative conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through its Partnership for Patients program. At the state level, Newton Medical Center was a part of the Kansas HEN led by the Topeka-based Kansas Healthcare Collaborative in partnership with the Kansas Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, and the Health Research and Educational Trust.
“Our staff and providers demonstrate their commitment to patient safety through the quality care they provide each and every day,” said Val Gleason, Newton Medical Center president and CEO. “Over the past year, we have implemented a number of quality improvement initiatives including patient focus groups. To further protect and defend our patients, several cross-functional teams addressed strategies aimed at preventing complications such as infection. This fall, we are launching a Patient & Family Advisory Council as we continue to focus on patient centeredness and build upon the successes from our participation in HEN 2.0.”
Through the Kansas HEN, Newton Medical Center worked collaboratively with quality improvement teams at 106 hospitals across the state and 3,700 hospitals across the nation. All were focused on 10 or more core patient safety areas, such as the prevention of falls, infections and adverse drug events.
As “Agents of Change,” hospital leaders and front line staff participated in learning networks and used quality improvement methods and resources to improve care delivery and prevent harm. The initiative involved engagement at all levels of the hospital, as well as patients and families.
About Newton Medical Center
Newton Medical Center is a 103-bed hospital in Newton, Kan., providing comprehensive medical care to those in Harvey and surrounding counties. Services and specialties include emergency medicine, surgical services, occupational medicine, home health and more. The hospital, which also includes 12 primary care and specialty clinics, is conveniently located at the intersection of I-135 and Highway 50. For more information, call (316) 283-2700 or visit newtonmed.com.
About the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative
KHC is a provider-led 501(c)3 organization with a mission to transform health care through patient-centered initiatives that improve quality, safety and value. Founded in 2008 by the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Medical Society, KHC embodies the commitment of two of the state’s leading health care provider groups to act as a resource and continuously enhance the quality of care provided to Kansans. For more information about the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and its initiatives, visit www.khconline.org.
