Newton Medical Center (NMC) announced today its participation in the second round of the national Hospital Engagement Network, known as HEN 2.0.
HEN 2.0 is a 12-month comprehensive patient safety initiative conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through its Partnership for Patients program. At the state level, NMC is 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.
Through the Kansas HEN, NMC works collaboratively with 106 hospitals across the state and 3,700 hospitals across the nation. All are continuing their work in 10 or more core patient safety areas, such as the prevention of falls, infections and adverse drug events.
Hospital leaders and front line staff participate in learning networks and use quality improvement methods and resources to improve care delivery and prevent harm. The initiative involves engagement at all levels of the hospital, as well as patients and families.
“The health and safety of our patients is our top priority,” says Steve Kelly, Newton Medical Center president and chief executive officer. “Our participation in the Hospital Engagement Network reaffirms our commitment to patient safety.”
According to a December 1, 2015, report released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the first four years of the HEN contributed to the saving of approximately 87,000 lives and nearly $20 billion in health care costs.
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 11 specialty practices, is conveniently located at the intersection of I-135 and Highway 50. For more information, call (316) 283-2700 or visit www.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.
