Join us for a celebration February 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the SMMC Lobby. Learn more.

Scenic Mountain Medical Center has earned national recognition for the quality of healthcare it provides.

SMMC was named a 2011 Top Improver® Award winner by Press Ganey Associates Inc., hospital officials announced.

Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care facilities — including 50 percent of all U.S. hospitals — to measure and improve the quality of care that providers deliver to patients and, ultimately, to improve the overall health care experience.

This award recognizes clients who have shown continuous improvement over two years. SMMC is one of 36 Press Ganey client facilities to receive this honor.

“I am extremely proud of our entire staff in receiving this national recognition,” said Larry Rodgers, chief executive officer for SMMC. “It reflects our commitment to strengthening clinical results and our focus on meeting the needs of the community we serve.”

Amy Miramontes, chief quality officer for SMMC, said the award represents important recognition from the industry of the facility’s efforts.

“We seize every opportunity to educate the members of our team — administrators, physicians and staff,” Miramontes said. “Our primary focus is to ensure that every individual at SMMC understands the basics of core measures and is working toward full compliance.”

Award winners were announced today at the Press Ganey National Client Conference in Dallas. Plans to celebrate the recognition locally with both SMMC staff and the community at large will be announced soon.

“We are proud partners of SMMC,” said Robert Draughon, CEO of Press Ganey. “Their dedication to continuous improvement serves as a model for all.”

- Printed in Big Spring Herald November 17, 2011