Hartford Hospital Recognized for Providing Highest Level of Patient-Centered Geriatric Care
January 08, 2014
Hartford, CT – Hartford Hospital announced today that it has recently achieved “exemplar" status by the NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program. The Exemplar designation means that Hartford Hospital has demonstrated ongoing, high-level dedication to geriatric care and pre-eminence in the implementation and quality of systemwide interventions and initiatives.
The elite status was granted to Hartford Hospital in the areas of organizational structure,
leadership and geriatric staff competence. Hartford Hospital shows a tremendous commitment to meet the most critical challenge of our times - quality care of older adults,” says Liz Capezuti, PhD, RN, FAAN, director, Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders – NICHE, Dr. John W. Rowe Professor in Successful Aging, New York University College of Nursing. “The hospital’s dedication to drive continuous improvement processes and enhance care marks them as leaders in the field.”
“The NICHE designation highlights our dedication to providing patient-centered care for older adult patients,” said Cheryl Ficara, vice president, Patient Care Services, Hartford Hospital. “Through our participation in the NICHE program, we are able to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for older adults. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for patients, their families and staff.
Exemplar status is the highest of four levels, recognizing Hartford Hospital’s ongoing commitment to high level geriatric care through rigorous self-evaluation. The other levels include Early Implementation, Progressive, and Senior Friendly. Hartford Hospital was first recognized as a NICHE designated facility in 2003.
About NICHE
NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) is the leading nurse driven program designed to help hospitals improve the care of older adults. The vision of NICHE is for all patients 65-and-over to be given sensitive and exemplary care. The mission of NICHE is to provide principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults. NICHE, based at NYU College of Nursing and comprised of over 500 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout North America, engages hospitals and their affiliates in achieving and sustaining the NICHE designation. NICHE designation demonstrates a hospital's organizational commitment and continued progress in improving quality, enhancing the patient and family experience, and supporting hospitals’ efforts to serve their communities. For more information visit www.nicheprogram.org.
About Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104 bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.