I am sure you have heard the saying, "If you have your health, you have it all."
Truer words were never spoken. Essentia Health in Superior should have that as their mission statement because those few words epitomize what they are about and what they provide their patients.
Because of their efforts, the employees of Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital Superior, Second Floor Med/Surg unit were awarded the 2011 Professional Research Consultants National Excellence in Healthcare Award.
This is not some willy-nilly feel good award given by this prestigious organization. Recognition is given to those health care facilities that demonstrate excellence in all areas of patient care. The 2011 award is for the calendar year of 2010. Superior was also awarded for excellence for 2009.
"For the 11th straight year, PRC is recognizing healthcare organizations and individuals that have achieved excellence throughout the prior year. Excellence is our focus, and we know that it is excellence that drives your scores and makes your hospital a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for your patients to be treated," according to the organization.
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The PRC calls actual patients for feedback when determining which health care providers are deserving of this tremendous honor.
Our family has partnered with Essentia Health to keep us healthy and take care of our emergency needs because of many reasons: convenience, one-on-one attention, courteous employees at all levels, outstanding care, prompt critical access care, communication, and a demonstration of compassion and caring for their patients. We are all scared or apprehensive, call it what you will, regarding health care. Putting a patient at ease is no easy thing, but those providing care at Essentia in Superior pride themselves on this aspect of their total program.
Second floor nurse, Joy M. Kubis, RN, comments on the employees at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital Superior.
"We have a very unique group of individuals here at SMHS. From housekeeping to OT/PT to nursing, you will find a down to earth, friendly, professional and caring team that will be with you every step of the way to your recovery. A large portion of the staff at SMHS has been at this facility for many years which, I feel, speaks volumes."
In the past few years, Mrs. Lance has had two knees and hip replacement. On two occasions, she has been a patient in the Swing Bed unit after her release from surgery and has received extraordinary care.
Mrs. Lance remembers her time in the Swing Bed Unit.
"I was treated like a guest and provided incredible care. Without this service, it would have taken me longer to heal and get my mobility back. I cannot thank them enough."
"Our swing bed unit offers extended care, (up to 90 days), for patients needing assistance after being discharged from the hospital, or acute care, after knee or hip surgery, wound management, or other types of illness requiring long-term care. In addition to the Swing Bed Unit, second floor med/surg accommodates inpatient, observation, and outpatients who require acute care," remarks Kubis.
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Are their some services for which you may need to go to Essentia Health in Duluth? Of course those needs may arise, but isn't it nice to know you can receive excellent health care right here in Superior?
I have the pleasure of serving with some incredible and caring members of our community on a committee which meets on a monthly basis. The Superior Patient and Family Advisory Council's mission statement explains what this group is asked to do.
"Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital Superior/Superior Clinic Patient and Family Centered Care Council exists to partner with Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital Superior, Superior Clinic administration, physicians and staff to provide patient's and family member's perspective on the delivery of health care."
How many times have you been asked for your opinion and nobody pays attention? This group of actual patients has suggested many great ideas on how to improve the services at the clinic and hospital. Many have been implemented.
The incredible relationship between "we the patients" and "they the hospital staff and administration" is refreshing because they listen to us. It is because of this relationship they are what they are: Award Winning.
We are extremely lucky to have the Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital Superior-Superior Clinic at 3500 Tower Ave. We have, in our back-yard, not good, but great medical care provided by people who are our friends and neighbors and take a personal interest in our welfare, and the 2011 PRC award confirms that.
How lucky can we be?
