Cherokee Medical Center is proud to announce that Press Ganey Associates, Inc. has named it a 2011 Top Improver® Award winner. Press Ganey currently partners with more than 10,000 health care facilities — including 50% of all U.S. hospitals — to measure and improve the quality of care that providers deliver to patients and, ultimately, to improve the overall health care experience.

This award recognizes clients who have shown continuous improvement over two years. Cherokee Medical Center is one of 36 Press Ganey client facilities to receive this honor. It is one of only 13 in the United States to receive it for improved clinical performance as measured by comparing quarterly composite scores for four measure sets representing 26 clinical measures.

“We are proud partners of Cherokee Medical Center,” said Robert Draughon, CEO of Press Ganey. "Cherokee Medical Center’s dedication to continuous improvement serves as a model for all.  It reflects their commitment to strengthening clinical results and focus on meeting the needs of the community that they serve.” 

The award represents important recognition from the industry of Cherokee Medical Center’s efforts.  “Improving core measures performance has been both challenging and rewarding for our hospital.” said Patrick Trammell, CEO of Cherokee Medical Center.  “As an organization we are committed to providing value-based, results-driven health care to our patients, who are often also our friends, family and neighbors.  Our employees and Medical Staff are very deserving of this award.” 

Patient safety is a number one concern for Cherokee Medical Center.  “Providing our patients with safe, effective, patient-centered care is our primary goal.” said Kathy Lindsey, Chief Quality Officer.  “By focusing on system-wide improvements, developing reliable processes that produce exceptional results, and by educating our leaders and employees we have been able to demonstrate steady and continuous improvements across all applicable clinical measure sets.”

Angela Bennett, Chief Nursing Officer states, “I am extremely proud of our entire staff for their role in the success we have been able to demonstrate by receiving this national recognition.”

Award winners were announced at the Press Ganey National Client Conference.  Celebrations for this event have been ongoing at Cherokee Medical Center and Community Recognition will be announced soon.