We Did It Again!

Thursday, April 30, 2015
We Did It Again!

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award®  as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care for a second consecutive year. This coveted award recognizes Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systemas a top performer in emergency services along with 373 other hospitals in the nation. There were 3,800 hospitals eligible for this award. The award is based on performance on publically reported quality data and outcomes of care that are important to women. 

“This award recognizes the dedication of the emergency care team to providing patients with a positive experience during what is often a stressful time,” said Jill Fuller, CEO.  “Prairie Lakes is proud of our staff and their commitment to the high standards of quality and service required for the Women’s Choice Award.”

There are more than 125 million emergency department visits annually in the United States. Emergency department clinicians must have expertise in caring for patients across their life span often in times when  their healthcare needs are urgent and unplanned. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, emergency department staff may have only a single patient encounter and when anxiety and fear are at a peak.

Hospitals earning this award  consistently rank in the top 25 percent of the hospitals reporting their emergency department’s performance to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The eight measures publically reported by CMS publicly relateprimarily to the amount of time it takes to obtain a diagnosis, pain medication, or be admitted to the hospital. The results are weighted according to the priorities of women surveyed.

Of the eight measures reported by emergency departments to the CMS,  women rate “door to doctor”  time” and  “door to diagnostic time” (how long before tests are done)  as the most important criteria for an emergency department visit. 

 “Providing the best in Emergency Care is the combined effort of hospitals, physicians, nurses and EMS Practitioners and we commend those recognized for striving for extraordinary care,” remarked Conrad “Chuck” Kearns, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, serving EMS Practitioners in 50 countries around the world.

Year after year, the Women’s Choice Award® is the only credential that identifies the nation’s best healthcare institutions by measuring against the needs and preferences of women, when it comes to treatment and a quality hospital experience. This credential signifies Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s commitment and passion towards an extraordinary healthcare experience not only for women, but for all patients.

“We have found that recommendations are an important consideration used by women in selecting a hospital for themselves and their family. By helping women know which hospitals in their area provide the best care, we are able to help them make better decisions, especially when it comes to emergency situations,” said Delia Passi, CEO & Founder of Women’s Choice Award®.