October 5, 2018 – Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC), a 68-bed acute care hospital serving Grant County in southwest New Mexico, was recently recognized by the New Mexico Hospital Association for Excellence in Quality for their Care Transitions Program.
Hospital readmissions are associated with unfavorable patient outcomes and high financial costs.
"Causes of readmissions have many factors that require a hospital to look closely at each readmission for potential avoidable causes," said Dr. Tanya Carroccio, Chief Quality Officer at Gila Regional. "Avoidable readmissions are an indicator of a disjointed health care system that too often leaves discharged patients baffled about how to care for themselves at home, unable to follow instructions or get the necessary follow-up care."
Gila Regional Medical Center understands the importance of having a strong readmission and transition of care process to keep patients safe. The primary purpose of the Care Transitions Program is to support the continuum of care in the outpatient, acute care hospital and community settings. There is a direct correlation in the reduction of avoidable readmissions and continuity of care. The Care Transitions Program focuses on promotion of timely access to appropriate care in the most appropriate setting. This encourages the use of preventive care services and patient education of disease states.
"The Care Transitions Program's success due to it being an organization wide endeavor, rather than an initiative conducted by a single department or individual," said Rennie Mariscal, Director of Case management at Gila Regional. "While oversight and direction is provided by the Case Management department, support by senior administration and the Board of Trustees was integral to the program's success."
"This achievement is very gratifying and validates our daily commitment to providing the best health care possible to our community," said Gila Regional Medical Center CEO Taffy Arias. "This is a reflection of the commitment each and every caregiver has to the community and the patients we serve."
About Gila Regional Medical Center
Gila Regional Medical Center is a county-owned, not-for-profit, 68-bed acute care hospital with a strong commitment to the people they serve. Investments in technology and certified caregivers provide quality care delivery through a patient-centered approach. It is home to the Gila Regional Cancer Center; the Surgical Center of the Southwest and was rated a 4-Star Quality Care Hospital by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
About the New Mexico Hospital Association
NMHA, a voluntary membership organization, represents its membership on legislative, regulatory and public policy issues. NMHA works with its members and others to improve the health status of the citizens of New Mexico. Learn more at www.nmhanet.org.