St. Anthony Community Hospital receives outstanding patient experience award

Patient survey says hospital ranks in the top 15% in the nation and top 10% in the state Warwick — St. Anthony Community Hospital is among the top 15 percent in the nation for patient experience based on an analysis of patient surveys from 3,775 hospitals across the country by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. By placing in the top 11 percent, St. Anthony Community Hospital received the 2010/11 HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award. St. Anthony Community Hospital is the only hospital in New York to place in the top 10 percent in the state for outstanding patient experience in 2010/2011. Under a program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, surveys were sent to patients within 48 hours after their discharge. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey was collected between July 2008 and June 2009. “We applaud the excellent work of our staff and continue our commitment to provide an outstanding patient experience,” Philip Patterson, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Hospital System, said in a press release announcing the survey results. The analysis of the HCAHPS surveys by HealthGrades found that 50 percent more patients gave St. Anthony Community Hospital and the other recipients of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award an overall rating of a 9 or a 10 (10 being the highest possible) compared to the poorest-performing hospitals. Similarly, 50 percent more patients reported that they would definitely recommend the hospital to their family and friends. In addition, 29 percent more patients at the top-performing hospitals said that they rested better because their room was always kept quiet at night, and 39% more patients said that they always received help from staff quickly. Twenty-seven percent more patients reported that staff always explained their medications to them prior to administering them and 26% more patients reported that their nurses always communicated well. “Members of the St. Anthony Community Hospital community should take pride in knowing that, should they need it, there’s a hospital in their area that puts patients first,” said Dr. Rick May, MD, a HealthGrades vice president.