Awards reflect hospital’s hard work, commitment to putting patients, families first

The thank-you came in the form of an email.

An outpatient who was the sole caregiver for his wife came to the hospital for two six-week stints to receive antibiotics through an IV. And while he was being treated, the nurses and CNAs on the floor took turns caring for his wife, who had late-stage Alzheimer’s.

“Every nurse treated me like family,” he wrote. “They truly made me feel special. I’m also grateful for how they treated my wife. They looked out for her as much as they did me. Please tell them how awesome they are! ”

It’s among the many uplifting stories that arrive weekly in cards and letters, and captured in phone calls by surveyors. All are treasured, sometimes posted on bulletin boards, and oftentimes read aloud at the start of meetings throughout the hospital.

Why are they important?

They show that Johnston Health is committed to putting patients and families first, says Amber Stanley, who is the patient experience specialist for Johnston Health. “We work with our heads, hands and our hearts.”

And the results speak for themselves.

In May, Johnston Health received the Healthgrades 2018 Outstanding Patient Experience Award^™, placing the hospital among the top 15 percent in the nation.

In April, Johnston Health earned its third consecutive “A” safety grade from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit. The rating highlights the health care system’s commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients.

In March, Johnston Health made Business North Carolina’s top 25 list for hospitals in the state. The magazine looks at information provided by CMS, including patient-satisfaction surveys, infection rates, and readmission and death rates for common conditions and procedures.

Chuck Elliott, CEO and president of Johnston Health, says every employee, volunteer and physician play a vital role in quality and the patient experience. “These awards truly reflect their hard work, dedication and commitment,” he adds. “I’m so proud of what they do every day to give our patients and families the best possible care and treatment.”