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Winona Health staff, board members and community physicians gathered in the Douglas Boyer Surgery Lounge on Thursday, July 27, for the presentation of the Premier Award for Quality and the Minnesota Council for Quality (MCQ) Award. Roger Jones, senior director, Premier Inc., presented its quality award for care of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) patients to Charles Shepard, MD, Winona Health medical director. "We're fortunate to have strong leadership in cardiac care," commented Dr. Shepard. "Written pathways and protocols assure the most up-to-date care for patients with myocardial infarction, unstable angina and heart failure. These pathways allow us to consistently do the right thing." Dr. Shepard also noted, "Dr. Andrew Edin has been a guiding influence for the medical staff, and Mary Volkart, RN, has been a nursing leader in care for our heart patients. Dr. Marc Dummit, Emergency Department medical director, and Dr. Brett Whyte, Winona Area Ambulance Service medical director, and their staffs are strong links in the chain of care." Dr. Dummit added, "Having the solid nursing staff that we have is the key to success in this area"it is truly a collaborative effort."
Awarded in six clinical areas, the Premier Award for Quality is based on quality and cost data submitted to Premier Inc. for reporting and benchmarking purposes. The award is distinguished by its consideration of performance-based criteria. MCQ Award also awarded. The MCQ Award is given to organizations in the state committed to quality improvement and learning through use of the Baldrige assessment process. Brian Lassiter, MCQ president, presented its Advancement Award to Gary Evans, Winona Health board chair. "This is a gratifying day for a board chair," commented Evans, who encouraged the staff to take pride in achieving this recognition: "You are truly making a positive difference in the lives of your families, friends and neighbors," he noted. "Receiving these awards is just one of the indications of the talented and committed physicians and nurses we have right here in Winona," concluded Rachelle Schultz, President/CEO.
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