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CELEBRATING QUALITY
SwedishAmerican has had an unwavering focus on quality and its continuous improvement. Although the approaches over the years have taken different forms, the commitment to quality has remained constant. Each year, we recognize the individuals, processes and initiatives behind our quality efforts through Quality Expo and the Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award.
Quality Expo
An event for area businesspeople and decision makers, Quality Expo highlights the health system's cutting-edge technology, prevention/wellness initiatives, quality processes and individuals who contribute to our organization's endless pursuit of quality.
At Quality Expo, we take attendees behind the scenes to places that many of them have never seen before, providing an opportunity to experience healthcare in a whole new way. Our physicians and professional staff, who are enthusiastic about demonstrating their expertise and accomplishments, engage in meaningful dialogue with attendees, answering many of the questions they've always wanted to ask.
Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award
In 2002, SwedishAmerican developed the Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to improving healthcare quality.
Catherine Rogers (2007)
Catherine Rogers, manager of SwedishAmerican's Outpatient Wound Care Center, was honored with the 2007 Dr. Henry C. Anderson Award for Quality. The award is SwedishAmerican's highest expression of distinction for an individual's contributions to the organization's pursuit of quality excellence.
One of the more complex medical challenges we face in healthcare is the treatment of non-healing wounds. Hundreds of area residents suffer complications from wounds that will not heal—most commonly because of diabetes, circulatory problems, or trauma. Thanks to Catherine and her team's passion and dedication, SwedishAmerican's program has become the recognized leader in wound care expertise by regional physicians and has documented impressive quality outcomes year after year.
Roger's nomination reads, in part: "She started SwedishAmerican's Wound Care program eight years ago from the ground up. Since its inception, the program has experienced double-digit volume growth every year and has added several surgeons and nurses to the program to accommodate that growth. From 2002-2006, Catherine and her team have significantly improved the length of time of healing of pressure ulcers from 19.5 to 9.3 weeks, venous ulcers from 12.4 to 8.2 weeks, diabetic/ neuropathic from 17.3 to 12.6 weeks and non-healing surgical from 12.1 to 11.4 weeks."
Georgiann Homuth (2006)
Georgiann Homuth, clinical nurse specialist, was honored at Quality Expo 2006 for her contributions to the organization's pursuit of quality excellence. As a clinical nurse specialist at SwedishAmerican Hospital, Homuth actively promotes and champions proven clinical guidelines for caregivers, doctors and nurses alike. She attends UR/MR Committee to personally answer questions or concerns about protocols. Additionally, she always does her research first and takes the time to get support for new protocols before approaching the committee.
Dr. Larry Schick (2005)
Dr Schick, an anesthesiologist, has been chairman of SwedishAmerican's Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee for 15 years and has been steadfast in his support of quality patient care at SwedishAmerican. Dr. Schick often works behind the scenes and is always willing to take time out of his busy schedule to help others solve problems. Epitomizing the commitment to quality, his outstanding qualities include integrity, immunity to pressure, demonstrated leadership abilities, as well as optimism and good humor.
"Get-A-Lift!" No Manual Lift Program (2005)
According to a recent report by the American Nurses Association, nurses lift an average of 1,200 pounds a day and are at great risk for back injuries. In April 2004, SwedishAmerican Hospital's Total Quality Management (TQM) lift team put a "no manual lift" policy in place to decrease the risk of injury to employees during patient handling and transfer. This policy led to the use of Prevent Inc.'s "Get-a-Lift!" comprehensive "no manual lift" training program, which helps staff in a number of departments-including OR, Radiology and Security-to reduce the exposure to workplace injury. As a result, workers' compensation losses were dramatically decreased. SwedishAmerican is the first facility in Illinois to use this program. Team members include: Marsha Ashlock, RN, Employee Health Services; Wayne Branson, RN, Surgery; Tom Butz, director of Food Service; Bonita Clay, PCT, Radiology Transporter; Wilburn Combs, supervisor, Security; Karin Hachmeister, RN, 10E Ortho/Neuro Unit; Bev Merfeld, RN, Risk Management; Kristy Moore, manager of physical medicine and rehab; and Toni Wallin, RN, Home Health.
Agnus Mandrgoc, R.N. (2004)
In 2004, Agnus Mandrgoc, R.N., was recognized with SwedishAmerican's Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award. Agnus is commended for her exemplary work and leadership as director of SwedishAmerican Home Health Care. She is a caring clinician with a broad understanding of patient needs, and how they can be met while working with limited resources and the regulations that control services. Agnus' dedication to the health system is inspirational to everyone at SwedishAmerican.
Jody Brown, R.N. (2003)
In 2003, Jody Brown, R.N. was recognized with SwedishAmerican's Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award. Her hard work and dedication have been instrumental in the development of the health system's pain management program. In addition, Jody was responsible for bringing the innovative pain resource nurse (PRN) program to SwedishAmerican.
Henry C. Anderson, M.D. (2002)
In addition to practicing family medicine in Rockford for more than 40 years, Dr. Henry C. Anderson served as SwedishAmerican's vice president for professional affairs and chief quality officer from 1989 to 2003. Over the years, his efforts and leadership were instrumental in the health system's quality initiatives, which have received national recognition. Dr. Anderson was the first recipient of this quality award, which bears his name.
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