Cook County News Herald

North Shore Health recognized



The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) and Stratis Health have recognized North Shore Health for participating in the statewide culture of excellence program.

Hospitals and health systems that excel across national patient safety and quality measurements demonstrate a culture that expects and strongly supports excellence in patient safety, quality and patient experience.

To earn this recognition, North Shore Health participated in a yearlong culture of excellence development cohort offered by MHA and Stratis Health.

Chief Executive Officer Kimber Wraalstad and Culture of Excellence Champion Jennifer Dowden, RN along with Kathy Bernier, CCS and Jill Kort, PharmD Co-Champions convened a staff team to address areas of organizational culture: creating the Expectations of Excellence, recognizing staff performing Examples of Excellence and engaging in leadership development.

The North Shore Health Service excellence team also consists of Lisa Bloomquist, activities; Becky Lehto, dietary; Vera Schumann, finance; Sandi Rude, hospital nursing; Malorie Brazell, laboratory; Michelle Lewis, registration;

Sarah Groth, housekeeping; and Elunia Steckelberg, rehab.

By addressing these areas, North Shore Health led improvements in quality and safety of patient care, improved efficiency, better patient care experiences and increased employee engagement. North Shore Health has implemented Expectations of Excellence, improving patient and resident safety event reporting; improving follow up communication for process improvement related to patient and resident safety events.

“A key component of our statewide journey of continuous quality and safety improvement is our people – the teams, staff and leaders who build meaningful connections with the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Rahul Koranne, MHA’s chief medical officer. “Working in partnership, care team members from North Shore Health and hospitals and health systems across the state are improving health outcomes for our patients, families and communities.”

Kimber Wraalstad CEO stated, “We had the opportunity to join with and learn from other highly respected health care organizations throughout Minnesota. This collaboration allowed North Shore Health to enhance the excellent care already provided by our team to the community we serve.”

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