Source: Editorial, The News-Enterprise
ISSUE: National group recognizes Hardin Memorial
OUR VIEW: Top-notch healthcare is vital to us all
Sometimes it takes an award or recognition from an outside organization to draw attention to an institution in our community that is doing a great job. That affirmation also can help shake off outdated and inaccurate perceptions.
Typically, we only think of Hardin Memorial Hospital when we need its services. Every day, the community drives by and pays little attention unless a helicopter is landing or an ambulance is screaming by.
But excellent work is happening daily at 913 N. Dixie Ave.
HMH was recognized recently by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as being in the top quartile of best-performing hospitals in the country with a four-star rating. Only 16 of the 82 hospitals rated in Kentucky earned four stars. Only 100 hospitals in the United States earned the top rating of five stars.
The group ranked HMH based on 64 quality measures in seven categories: mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, effectiveness of care, timeliness of care and efficient use of medical imaging.
A lot of rating services create hospital rankings, but this report is particularly significant because it represents Medicare and Medicaid, two primary sources of medical payment for the hospital. When the people who pay you say you are doing a good job, that’s truly something to celebrate.
Recent renovations at the hospital, including private rooms in the new North Tower and the ongoing emergency department expansion coupled with the hiring of 50 top-notch doctors over the past five years, is making a significant difference in the quality and delivery of health care in the region.
While the rating applied to the hospital, remember HMH also stands for Hardin Memorial Health, which operates 49 off-campus sites providing quality care across its 10-county service area.
All of Hardin County benefits when an institution in our community such as HMH is recognized for its exceptional work. Residents can be more confident in the services delivered and take pride in having a four-star county-owned health system at their disposal.
Every person in our region is impacted directly through better delivery of health services and indirectly from the economic benefit generated by HMH and its 2,000 employees. As a regional medical center, HMH brings hundreds of customers daily into the community for care. That creates traffic for restaurant, retailers and, in turn, creates even more jobs.
The group’s recognition makes recruiting new industry and businesses easier as well. Top-quality health care in Hardin County is something any newcomer wants. When HMH does well, the community and surrounding area enjoys an improved quality of life.
Congratulations to the leadership team and employees of Hardin Memorial Health on this latest recognition.
This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.
