ECMC Among Nation’s Best For Social Responsibility and Health Equity

Erie County Medical Center has again been recognized by the Lown Institute for outstanding social responsibility, receiving an “A” grade on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index.

ECMC achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes and value of care, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide.

In 2021, ECMC was ranked among the top 100 hospitals in the United States for racial inclusivity by the Lown Institute; in 2022 ECMC was ranked in the top 50 hospitals in the country for racial inclusivity.

good fit for the convention?

A. We must let nurses know we are not alone. Nurses are still dealing with the repercussions of COVID, we’re still facing different types of trauma — even being beat up in some situations — and there’s always the issue of staffing shortages. We’re so excited to be the host organization that brings together, for the first time since the pandemic, nurses and healthcare workers from all corners of the U.S. and we happen to be doing this on the anniversary of the founding of our national organization by Lillian Custer in 1948. I’m a proud New Yorker and am glad to bring it home. It’s our foundation.

Q. This isn’t the first time you’ve sponsored an event of this magnitude, right?

A. In 2019, we sponsored it at Shea’s Seneca in Buffalo, so I contacted the people who ran this one and asked if they could re-create their very successful event again to start our convention. They agreed and jumped right in. They had put a hold on the event from 2020 until now due to COVID but are eager to go all out for us starting on Oct. 11th. It will be even bigger and better this year.

Q. What is the role of an LPN?

A. LPNs have advanced in so many arenas, including being directly in charge of patient care. I became a nurse because I’m patient-focused and wanted to understand what makes a person ill, and how to make the situation better. We are integral to the health care arena. In the past, licensed practical nurses were never allowed to do certain procedures, but now things have opened up. LPN duties and responsibilities now include treatments such as wound care and IV therapy. We continue to work in a variety of positions: asthma educator, nephrology care, hospice and palliative, and certain types of brain injuries.

Q. Do you think in the hierarchy of personnel — medical doctors, registered nurses, other practitioners — that LPNs are disregarded?

A. That perception is out there, but that’s one of the reasons our organization employs best practices and strives for the best care for our patients, and why we continue to advocate for LPNs. It’s important that we always know our scope of practice, otherwise we are doing a disservice to the patient and ourselves. I refuse to let any type of frustration I may feel negate anything I do. At the October convention here, we will continue to learn and earn continuing education credits and network with others in our field, which can only enhance our experiences in the field.

Q. Are you optimistic about the future of licensed practical nurses?

A. Yes. Learning and advocating for ourselves and other healthcare heroes is essential. This convention will go a long way towards that.

Q. How does one register for it?

A. It’s easy to register, just go to www.nalpn.org. Tickets for the Oct. 11 “Nurses Night – Celebrating All Healthcare Heroes” can be purchased at www.NursesNightofCelebration. com. It is open to all healthcare workers and their friends.

For more information, contact Likong at reneelikong@gmail.com,.

ECMC ranked 8 out of 138 hospitals in New York state and 350 of 3,637 hospitals nationally on the social responsibility metric.

According to the index, the hospital also received “A” grades in equity and value. These are independent rankings and hospitals do not apply or pay to be listed.

ECMC President and CEO Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, said: “This is just one more affirmation of ECMC’s commitment to our entire community and our daily focus on health equity and racial diversity. I thank the entire ECMC Family, led by our Board of Directors, who dedicate themselves every day to provide the best care with dignity, kindness and compassion to our region’s residents, ensuring that our healthcare services are inclusive of everyone who needs our care.”

2023-24 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility Recognition earned by Erie County Medical Center:

• Social Responsibility Grade: A

• Health Equity Grade: A

• Value of Care Grade: A

• Community Benefit Grade: A

• Inclusivity Grade: A

• Avoiding Overuse Grade: A

• Racial Inclusivity Grade: A

“When communities have access to socially responsible healthcare, our nation grows stronger,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “That’s why it’s so important to hold up these high-performing hospitals as examples for others to follow.”

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to include metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, creating a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the fourth annual and largest set of rankings to date, the 2023-24 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on 50+ measures – including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse — for more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide.

Data sources include Medicare feefor-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website. The Lown Institute is a nonpartisan think tank that generates bold ideas for a radically better system of health.

Learn more at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.