GREENSBURG – The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) recognized Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) on Nov. 18 
at The Marten House in Indianapolis for their work to reduce patient harm by 40 percent and readmissions by 20 percent over the past three years. The recognition is based on the results of a national campaign known as Partnership for Patients, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve quality and patient safety at hospitals nationwide.
DCMH was one of 116 hospitals that partnered with IHA to form a statewide engagement network, Coalition for Care, and participate with the American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET) in this ambitious initiative. These hospitals came together to work collaboratively on patient safety efforts, and not compete on safety.
“All of our physicians and staff here at the hospital should feel proud of the improvements we have achieved in regard to patient safety and quality,” said Diane McKinney, Vice President of Patient Care.“ By collaborating with IHA and applying the best practices that have been proven to work in our industry, we can provide even better treatment for our patients.”
Member hospitals attended educational sessions offered through IHA and HRET to address readmissions, falls and patient and family engagement, among others, and in the last three years, there have been 3,800 participants in educational programs. In 2014, 59 regional patient safety coalition meetings were held across the state. Lean Six Sigma training has been instrumental, with 297 Lean Six Sigma green belts and 176 Lean Six Sigma black belts being trained. There are now 68 hospitals with patient and family advisory councils. Decatur County Memorial Hospital had 13 individuals receiving Lean Six Sigma training during the course of three years.
“This is proof that efforts to identify harms and reduce readmissions are working. Our hospitals should be commended for their continued commitment to improving patient care. Indiana hospitals have had many accomplishments in the past three years, and will continue this work in 2015 to improve the overall health and well-being of our state,” said Doug Leonard, president of the Indiana Hospital Association.
Indiana Hospital Association is a non-profit organization that serves as the professional trade association for 164 Hoosier hospitals. These members are either independent or a member of one of the 23 systems in the state. Membership includes hospitals, multi-hospital systems and community mental health centers. The mission of the IHA is to provide leadership, representation and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. IHA’s primary responsibility is to represent the interests of hospitals in matters of public policy. IHA also provides members with education, communications and data collection services.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital is one of Greensburg’s largest employers. In a town of roughly 5,000 citizens, DCMH provides a level of care that is beyond compare. Winning the Gold Standard in Indiana’s Healthiest Employers year after year, DCMH promotes good health to patients as well as its employees. The hospital opened its doors in 1922 and has served the area 24/7 for over 92 years with a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. With over 25 beds and 57 physicians, Decatur County Memorial Hospital provides The Quality Care You Want. Close By. More information regarding the Hospital and its services may be found at www.dcmh.net or by phoning the Hospital at (812) 663-4331.
