Bryan entities earn praise for exceptional care

Newsweek named Bryan Health one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2023, recognizing high levels of consumer and employee trust.

“There are few words more important than trust,” says Bryan Health President and CEO Russ Gronewold.

“Trust is in everything we do. It’s important the public trusts the care and health information we provide. It’s important our medical staff trusts us to surround them with outstanding nurses and clinical support. And it’s important our students trust us to provide a quality education.”

He adds, “We do not seek recognition like this; however, this acknowledgment honors the 6,500 employees across our health system who are educated here and provide care for so many Nebraskans and people from surrounding states.”

Bryan Health was the only health care organization in Nebraska recognized. To learn more and view the entire list of honorees, visit newsweek.com.

This is one of many accolades earned by Bryan entities in recent months.

Press Ganey presented 2022 Human Experience Awards to several entities for outstanding achievement in physician and employee engagement.

Bryan Medical Center earned the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Physician Engagement. It’s based on extraordinary achievement; Bryan Medical Center has been ranked in the top five percent of health care providers over multiple years.

Crete Area Medical Center and Merrick Medical Center each earned the Guardian of Excellence Award in Physician Engagement. Bryan Heart received the Guardian of Excellence Award in Employee Engagement. These entities ranked in the 95th percentile for sustained performance during the year.

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma reverified Bryan Medical Center as a Level II Trauma Center, certified Kearney Regional Medical

Center as a new Level III Trauma Center and reverified Crete Area Medical Center as a Level IV Trauma Center.

There are only four Level II, seven Level III and 39 Level IV Trauma Centers in the state.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certified Bryan West Campus Inpatient Rehabilitation for three years. This is CARF’s highest level of recognition.

The inpatient rehab team provides comprehensive and customized care for patients who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, trauma, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injury or amputation or limb deficiency.

Crete Area Medical Center and Merrick Medical Center each received the Performance Leadership Award for Quality from Chartis Center for Rural Health.

The National awards honor top rural hospitals and are based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance Index.

Kearney Regional Medical Center was voted Best Place to Work in the annual Best of Kearney community vote. KRMC also was voted Favorite Medical Clinic and Surgery Facility.

Education coordinator Barbara Dethlefs, general surgeon Jason Walsh, MD, and Alicia Beetem, CNA, were recognized as Healthcare Heroes as part of a community-wide contest.

KRMC also was reaccredited as a Primary Stroke Center and was one of only two Nebraska hospitals to receive the top “A” rating for patient safety from Leapfrog.

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care again certified KRMC for demonstrating dedication and commitment to meeting standards related to stroke care.

KRMC was the only hospital to receive the top Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade two years in a row. “This represents our commitment to keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors,” says CEO Bill Calhoun. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services saluted the Bryan Family Birthplace team for achieving Lactation Across Rural Nebraska (LEARN) Campaign goals. The campaign enhances support for breastfeeding.

DHHS honors baby safety advocates

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recognized Crete Area Medical Center as an Abusive Head Trauma/ Shaken Baby Prevention Education Champion.

The DHHS provides education to parents as well as to hospital staff to help ensure the safety of newborns.

“CAMC nurses are passionate about supporting this campaign to strengthen awareness of the life-altering effects of head trauma and Shaken Baby Syndrome,” says Acute Care Nurse Manager Lori Baumann. n

Calhoun is Grassroots Champion

Kearney Regional Medical Center

CEO Bill Calhoun received a Grassroots Champion Award from the American Hospital Association. This honor recognizes his work with the Nebraska Hospital Association’s Transitions of Care task force. The AHA salutes leaders who are tireless advocates for hospitals and patients and who effectively educate elected officials on issues affecting the hospital’s role in the community. n