Health Central Receives VHA 2007 Leadership Award

Health Central Receives VHA 2007 Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence, Excellent Patient Care. VHA Inc., a national healthcare alliance based in Irving, TX, has recognized Health Central for excellence in clinical care for implementation and successful results of its Rapid Response Team.  Health Central was one of 100 VHA member hospitals nationwide to receive a 2007 Leadership Award. The hospital was honored at VHA’s Leadership Conference in Denver on May 20th, where Susan Jackson, Health Central Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services, Bart Rodier, M.D. and David Rothenberg, RN and member of Health Central’s Rapid Response Team, accepted the VHA 2007 Clinical Excellence Award on behalf of Health Central.

“This award validates the dedicated focus of our clinical staff and physicians to provide excellent care to our patients,” said Richard Irwin, Health Central president and CEO. “The Rapid Response Team takes the idea of rescuing patients in trouble with a sort of a SWAT team of nurses that intervene with patients before they develop serious medical problems. For example, a doctor might get a call about a hospitalized patient experiencing breathing difficulties. But sometimes the symptoms are too vague to make a conclusion over the phone, or by the time the doctor sees the patient, the patient’s situation has worsened. The Rapid Response Team comes to the scene earlier to assess the situation,” Irwin explained.

Health Central’s Rapid Response Team is comprised of six registered nurses and 14 respiratory therapists.   Since its inception in July 2005, the response team has responded to 244 calls and is recognized for providing an advanced level of care that prevented issues leading to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

"At the heart of the covenant between patients and hospitals lies the belief that clinical excellence is paramount," said Trent Haywood, M.D., J.D., chief medical officer at VHA. "Health Central is a shining example of what can be achieved when a hospital's actions are guided by the pursuit of clinical excellence."

The VHA 2007 Leadership Award for clinical excellence is based on the latest set of measures accepted nationally as indicators of quality.

Photo caption: (Left to right): Stuart Baker, MD, Executive VP and COO, VHA, Inc, David Rothenberg, RN, member of Health Central’s Rapid Response Team, Susan Jackson, Health Central Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services, Bart Rodier, M.D., Consultant, HealthCentral and Curt Nomonaque President and CEO VHA, Inc.