Message from the CMO – Richard Augustus, MD
CMO Richard Augustus and family
Our medical staff social held November 29 was a winter wonderland delight at Downtown Caldwell’s Indian Creek Plaza. We all enjoyed the outdoor ice-skating trail, the lights surrounding Indian Creek, and a hearty dutch oven dinner. The festivities also included winter scene portraits and hot cocoa at the Flying M. Thanks to West Valley for hosting and to all the families that came out for the delightful evening. Make sure you save the date for the 2019 West Valley Medical Staff Social to be held once again at the Indian Creek Plaza Ice Skating Ribbon Monday, December 9, 2019.
Night Hospitalist Coverage
The hospitalist group will be providing night call for Saint Alphonsus Medical Group (SAMG) medical patients in the hospital and for SAMG patients needing admission. The night coverage will be a nurse practitioner onsite four nights a week and a resident in house three nights per week. A hospitalist physician will serve as back up call and will come in for any unstable patient. SAMG physicians will continue to round with residents during regular business hours on a rotation with one of their physicians being available every other week. When a SAMG physician is not rounding with the residents, the hospitalist will cover as the attending.
Quality Awards Update
Grade ‘A’ Biannual Safety Review — The Leapfrog Group
West Valley Medical Center has received its ninth consecutive “A” grade in the biannual Hospital Safety Score published by The Leapfrog Group. The designation recognizes exceptional performance in consistently meeting evidence-based patient safety guidelines.
The “A” grade for fall 2018 is a continuation of West Valley’s record of top honors from The Leapfrog Group. Since its first Hospital Safety Score review in 2012, the hospital has received twelve “A” grades — the most of any facility in Idaho.
Several initiatives contribute to the high level of patient safety at West Valley Medical Center, including a multidisciplinary safety committee and daily leadership safety huddles. Additionally, investment in technology like the HUGS infant security and computerized medication management systems further ensures safety.
West Valley celebrates fifth consecutive knee replacement five-star designation
West Valley Medical Center is honored to be the recipient of its fifth consecutive Healthgrades five-star designation for total knee replacement procedures.
In addition to this award, West Valley is proud to announce the following ratings from Healthgrades:
- Fourth consecutive Five-Star designation for treatment of sepsis (2016-19)
- Third consecutive Five-Star designation for treatment of respiratory failure (2017-19)
- Second consecutive Five-Star designation for treatment of gastrointestinal bleed (2018-19)
- Second consecutive Five-Star designation for gallbladder removal surgery (2018-19)
- Five-Star designation for treatment of heart attack in 2019
West Valley also holds a 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, placing the hospital in the top 10 percent of health care facilities for safety nationwide. This award is announced each spring.