Hendrick in the News

March 24, 2011
Hendrick joines elite group of four honored with fifth Gallup Great Workplace Award

February 11, 2011
Hendrick earns recognition for quality respiratory care for eighth consecutive year

October 13, 2010
Hendrick honored for second time as a Pathway to Excellence™ hospital for ideal nursing environment

October 11, 2010
Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab earns national certification

May 27, 2010
Hendrick Medical Supply earns national recognition as respiratory care provider

March 4, 2010
Hendrick joins elite group of six honored with fourth Gallup Great Workplace Award

November 16, 2009
Hendrick Hospice Care lights annual Light Up a Life Tree at Mall of Abilene

November 11, 2009
Mayor proclaims Abilene COPD Day at Hendrick Better Breathers Club

October 30, 2009
Hendrick Medical Supply receives accreditation from ACHC

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Hendrick joins elite group of four honored with fifth Gallup Great Workplace Award

Hendrick Medical Center was recognized as one of only four organizations worldwide to be honored with the 2011 Gallup Great Workplace Award for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, Hendrick is the only healthcare facility that appears on the list of five-time winners.

This year, Hendrick was among the list of 29 organizations selected for the award. These distinguished organizations span the globe and represent all facets of business, from healthcare to hospitality, retail to manufacturing, and banks to insurance.

“We are honored to receive this award for the fifth year in a row,” said Tim Lancaster, president and CEO of Hendrick Medical Center. “We believe that satisfaction in the workplace comes from all of us. When our employees are fulfilled, then that feeling is passed onto our customers – our patients, their families and our community.”

The Gallup Great Workplace Award began in 2007, and is given annually to recognize the most engaged and productive workforces in the world. To receive the award, Hendrick participated in Gallup’s survey of employees around the world, which evaluates 12 criteria of engaged workforces using a 12-question survey.

The award is based on survey results and a best practices portfolio summarizing the steps the organization has taken to increase workforce engagement. To be eligible, organizations must have a sample size of at least 1,000 employees with at least 80 percent of employees responding to the survey. Applicants’ results are compared across a Gallup workplace research database comprised of millions of work teams in more than 120 countries. A panel of workplace experts assesses the applicants’ results to select the winners

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Hendrick earns recognition for quality respiratory care for eighth consecutive year

Hendrick Medical Center recently earned the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) from the American Association for Respiratory Care for the eighth year in a row. Only 46 hospitals in Texas and approximately 700 of the 5,000 hospitals in the United States received the award for 2010.  

The QRCR program was developed by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2003 to help consumers identify facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. The need for such a program grew from concerns of health care leaders and the public regarding the safety and quality of services for patients. Hospitals that have earned the QRCR follow a strict protocol of guidelines and procedures which ensure quality care is given.

“The Quality Respiratory Care Recognition is significant because it helps patients make an informed decision when choosing a hospital,” said Sherri Bowden, director of pulmonary services at Hendrick Medical Center. “Patients who choose Hendrick can be assured of receiving the highest standards of respiratory care.”

To qualify for recognition, respiratory therapists must be available 24 hours a day; all respiratory therapists who deliver bedside respiratory care must be legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential; and a doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services.  Also, other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision for these procedures must be designated in writing.

For a list of hospitals receiving the QRCR, visit ww.yourlunghealth.org/finding_care/qrc.

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Hendrick honored for second time as a Pathway to Excellence™ hospital for ideal nursing environment

Hendrick Medical Center once again achieved the Pathway to Excellence™ designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Hendrick first received the distinction in 2007. Institutions are eligible to receive designation every three years.

The designation is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Criteria” in their practices, policies and procedures. For an organization to earn the distinction, it must undergo a thorough review process. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria through participation in a completely confidential online survey.

“Designation as a Pathway to Excellence hospital indicates a continued commitment to providing a positive work environment for nurses,” said Jo Rake, vice president of nursing at Hendrick Medical Center. “The award is the culmination of hard work by many people in our organization. We join a select group of organizations who are strong advocates for the advancement of the nursing profession.”

About the ANCC
ANCC provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC’s  internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas and recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments.

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Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab earns national certification

Hendrick Pulmonary Rehabilitation has recently met all criteria for program certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This voluntary three-year certification demonstrates that the program meets numerous quality care standards as set by AACVPR. Hendrick is one of nine certified labs in Texas.

“Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab continues to strive to serve the needs of patients with chronic lung disease by improving quality of life through the pulmonary rehab and maintenance programs offered,” said Sherry Bowden, director of Pulmonary Services at Hendrick Medical Center.   “Certification is indicative of the quality of care Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab offers the patients of Abilene and the surrounding area.”      

Among the program elements examined in the evaluation process were the skills of the staff, quality of equipment and facilities, documentation, individualized patient care plans and patient outcome measurements.
 
The AACVPR instituted program certification in 1998 to recognize programs that meet the published Guidelines for Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation. These guidelines reflect the standard of care for programs, and are regularly updated. 
 
For more information on the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Hendrick, please call 325-670-2280.

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Hendrick Medical Supply earns national recognition as respiratory care provider

Hendrick Medical Supply (HMS) has been named a quality respiratory care provider under a new program aimed at making sure residents cared for by home care organizations have access to respiratory care services provided by qualified respiratory therapists.

”We are so proud of Janet, Barbara and Amy for the service they provide day in and day out for our patients,” said JoeMax Tomlin, coordinator for Hendrick Medical Supply in Abilene. “Everyone at HMS works hard to ensure our patients' needs are met in a timely, professional and compassionate manner. This designation affirms that our efforts set us apart from other home respiratory providers in the area.”

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) started the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) program in 2003 to help consumers make informed choices about their health care. The program initially enrolled hospitals that agreed to ensure patient safety by adhering to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. Home care organizations were added to the program a year later.

To qualify for the recognition, Hendrick Medical Supply met the following conditions:

• All respiratory therapists employed by the agency to deliver home respiratory therapy services are either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory therapy services or hold the CRT or RRT credential.
• Respiratory therapists are available to patients 24 hours every day.
• Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory therapy procedures, and the amount of supervision required for them to perform these specific procedures, must be designated in writing.
• The Durable Medical Equipment/Home Health Agency must be accredited by a nationally recognized, third party accreditation organization.

The AARC’s QRCR program grew out of growing concerns among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services provided to patients. Organizations that meet the QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines, and should be commended for their commitment to quality care.

Hendrick Medical Supply is a durable medical equipment company supplying patients with life-sustaining and medically necessary equipment and services. For more than 60 years, Hendrick Medical Supply has been providing durable medical equipment, oxygen and respiratory equipment and supplies to patients of all ages in Abilene, Eastland, Sweetwater and the surrounding 24-county region.

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Hendrick joins elite group of six honored with fourth Gallup Great Workplace Award

Today, Hendrick Health Center was recognized as one of only six organizations worldwide to be honored with the 2010 Gallup Great Workplace Award for the fourth year in a row. Additionally, Hendrick is the only healthcare facility that appears on the list of four-time winners.

This year, Hendrick was among the list of 25 organizations selected for the award. These distinguished organizations span the globe and represent all facets of business, from healthcare to hospitality, retail to manufacturing, and banks to insurance.

“We are extremely pleased with the announcement of this prestigious award,” said Tim Lancaster, president and CEO of Hendrick. “To be recognized four years in a row as one of the best places to work in the world is simply outstanding. The award honors our greatest resources – our employees. Gallup is only confirming what we already know – that we have the best employees in the world and they are committed to our patients, our patients’ families and the entire Big Country.”

The Gallup Great Workplace Award began in 2007, and is given annually to recognize the most engaged and productive workforces in the world. To receive the award, Hendrick participated in Gallup’s survey of employees around the world, which evaluates 12 criteria of engaged workforces using a 12-question survey.

The award is based on survey results and a best practices portfolio summarizing the steps the organization has taken to increase workforce engagement. To be eligible, organizations must have a sample size of at least 1,000 employees with at least 80 percent of employees responding to the survey. Applicants’ results are compared across a Gallup workplace research database comprised of millions of work teams in more than 120 countries. A panel of workplace experts assesses the applicants’ results to select the winners

“The winners of this award have established a new global standard for engaging people,” said Tom Rath, who leads Gallup’s Workplace and Leadership Consulting practice. “When compared to the millions of workgroups we have studied around the world, the awardees have worked tirelessly to create an environment that values people. They go far beyond trivial perks to ensure that each employee has an emotional connection to the company’s mission and growth.”

Winners of the 2010 award will be presented with a physical award at the Gallup Summit April 27-29, 2010. The physical award is created by Gallup designers in collaboration with R.S. Owens & Co., the company that produces many of the world’s most prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards.

Other recipients of the 2010 Gallup Great Workplace Award include:

ABC Supply Co., Inc (four-time winner)
Alexian Brothers Hospital Network (two-time winner)
ASB Bank (three-time winner)
Atlantica Hotels International (two-time winner)
Bharti Airtel Limited (three-time winner)
Bon Secours Richmond Health System
B&Q (four-time winner)
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
Cable & Wireless Panama (two-time winner)
Campbell Soup Company (four-time winner)
Eisenhower Medical Center
HealthEast Care System
Indian Hotels Company Limited
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
Novo Nordisk, Product Supply A/S
Parrish Medical Center
PNC Bank (two-time winner)
Self Regional Healthcare (three-time winner)
Sisters of Mercy Health Systems
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong three-time winner; Kenya, Thailand, and Korea)
Stryker (four-time winner)
Transitions Optical, Inc.
Vanguard Health Systems
Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. (four-time winner)

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November 16, 2009

Hendrick Hospice Care lights annual Light Up a Life Tree at Mall of Abilene

Hendrick Hospice Care will begin its 22nd annual Light Up a Life campaign with a Tree Lighting Ceremony Sunday, November 22 at 3 p.m. in the Men’s Dillard’s Courtyard at the Mall of Abilene. The family of Dulcy Williams St. Pierre, who was cared for by Hendrick Hospice Care, will have the honor of lighting the tree.

The Hospice Christmas Tree will be on display at the Mall of Abilene through Saturday, January 2 with volunteers available to accept donations. Gifts of $15 or more will place a dove on the tree in memory of or in honor of a friend or loved one. The names of those honored will be displayed on the doves adorning the tree.

Founded in 1982, Hendrick Hospice Care serves Abilene and the surrounding area by providing the highest quality care to patients with a life-limiting illness regardless of their ability to pay. All proceeds from the annual Light Up a Life campaign stay in the Abilene community to benefit patients of Hendrick Hospice Care who cannot afford care.

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November 11, 2009

Mayor proclaims Abilene COPD Day at Hendrick Better Breathers Club

In conjunction with National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month, Mayor Norm Archibald will proclaim November 18 as Abilene COPD Day at the Better Breathers Club meeting Tuesday, November 17. The club meets at 3 p.m. at Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab, 1866B Pine Street.

The Better Breathers Club, a support group for those with breathing-related illnesses, will celebrate with door prizes, games and an indoor 10K. Respiratory therapists also will be available to provide free spirometry screenings, a simple lung function test.

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 120,000 Americans each year. It is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it most often is characterized by shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

Those over the age of 40 with a history of smoking are particularly at risk; however, one in six people with COPD have never smoked. It is estimated as many as 12 million Americans may suffer from COPD and not know it.

The Better Breathers Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month and is offeredfree to the public as a community service of Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab. For more information, contact Bonnie Coxe, Pulmonary Rehab supervisor, at 670-2872.

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October 30, 2009

Hendrick Medical Supply receives accreditation from ACHC

Hendrick Medical Supply recently received its accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc., (ACHC) as a durable medical equipment supplier. ACHC accreditation is a voluntary activity, where Hendrick Medical Supply submitted to a peer review of internal policies, processes and patient care delivery to meet national standards of service.

ACHC, a private, not-for-profit corporation, was developed by home care and community-based providers to help companies improve business operations and quality of patient care. By attaining accreditation, Hendrick Medical Supply has demonstrated its commitment to maintain a higher level of competency and strive for excellence in its products, services and customer satisfaction.

With accredited locations in Abilene, Sweetwater and Eastland, Hendrick Medical Supply offers a complete selection of durable medical equipment, oxygen and respiratory equipment and supplies for patients of all ages. Hendrick Medical Supply service calls are performed by trained technicians or respiratory therapists, and staff is available on call 24 hours a day.

For more information about the services provided by Hendrick Medical Supply, call (325) 673-3711 in Abilene, (325) 235-8500 in Sweetwater or (254) 629-8338 in Eastland.