March 2010 - Trident Health System

The Joint Commision SurveyTo All Members of the Medical Staff,The Joint Commission survey from late February was a tremendous success, with one of the surveyors noting that this was themost successful turnaround for any hospital he has seen in his 14 years as a surveyor. With only five Requirements for Improvements(RFIs) identified, this was over a four-fold improvement from three years ago and better than two times less than the average hospital.For the size and complexity of our system, this is a tremendous feat. We know that this would not be possible without the qualitydocumentation and care practiced by our medical staff.Through their review of charts, interviews with staff and physicians, the surveyors uncovered and saw direct evidence of great patientcare. The physician surveyor saw one physician and the ICU staff working day and night in what he called a “heroic effort” to save apatient’s leg. They saw great progress in our core measures, D2B times, infection rates and patient outcomes. Specifically recognizedwas the attention to detail shown by the medical staff, with no instances of unapproved abbreviations, unsigned orders or consentsand excellent and complete H&Ps.All the surveyors were extremely complimentary about the quality of patient care and the obvious dedication and professionalismevident in all our physicians and employees. Thank you for the great care you give to your patients every day and for your trust inTrident Health System.Todd Gallati, FACHEPresident/CEOTrident Health SystemLouis F. Caputo, FACHECEOSummerville Medical CenterLloyd Mandel, MDVP Medical AffairsTrident Medical CenterBeth Cook, MDChief Medical AdvisorSummerville Medical CenterNancy B. Stroud, MDChief of Medical StaffTrident Health SystemBetter ServicesFOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS IN 2009TridentHealthSystem.comIn 2009, we improved service andcommunication with our referringphysicians. And we’re not done yet;the entire team at Trident HealthSystem will continue to work withreferring providers to improve allaspects of communication in 2010.We launched our Consult-a-Nurse®health care referral program in early2009. During the latter part of the year,we provided more than 880 physician referrals to residents ofour communities.Just recently, we introduced a new “Lunch with the Doctor”lecture series. During a very short timeframe, and with yourhelp, we have provided community education to more than545 participants.Through 862 visits to your offices in 2009, we have respondedto your concerns, introduced new physicians and new programsto you.Would you please contact me with questions or suggestionsabout ways we can help our referring community providers?Thank you for your continued support and partnership withTrident Health System,Miriam Stanleymiriam.stanley@hcahealthcare.com843-847-3462Medstaff Communications MARCH 2010 11