Choosing where to receive your medical care is important, and you want to know you’re in good hands. What if you need surgery or specialized treatment? What will your care be like?
The many certifications and awards that St. Mary’s has earned demonstrate its commitment to quality and its focus on making patients’ experiences the best they can possibly be. A testament to the high level of care is the hospital’s “A” safety rating from the Leapfrog Group. This is a nationally recognized measure that considers criteria like infection rates, patient satisfaction and safe medication practices. Also, for the second time, St. Mary’s has earned a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This is the highest rating attainable and is based on patient experience data and other criteria.
Among other areas of recognition, St. Mary’s earned The Joint Commission recertification for Stroke and for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. For patients who are experiencing a possible stroke, the treatment approach is standardized around evidence-based guidelines like when to complete a scan and when to get a neurologist involved in care. Comprehensive care for joint replacement includes best practices like pre-op education and early mobility after surgery.
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“Our advanced certifications show that we’re providing the evidence-based care to patients,” explains Martha Syms, RN, Director of Patient Safety. “They set us apart.”
Another big achievement was receiving the 2019 Women’s Choice Award® for Emergency Care, Obstetrics, Patient Safety and Stroke services. One of the initiatives in the OB department is a program called “Every Week Counts,” which focuses on helping mothers get to the 39th week of pregnancy before delivery, Syms says. “That was a huge undertaking with the state of Oklahoma and our OB staff. We’ve been very successful.”
“It’s a culture,” says Syms. “We have a commitment to quality from the leadership team to the bedside technician. Our employees take great pride in that.”
A quality initiative to combat sepsis
To help older adults in the community who may be at risk of contracting sepsis, St. Mary's is working with local nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies to provide education and potentially save lives. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection, causing symptoms such as high or low temperature, signs of infection, confusion or sleepiness, and severe pain or discomfort. Swift recognition and treatment are key to surviving and having the best possible outcome. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 immediately.