On April 06, 2023, one of our members took part in the annual Meeting of the Delegates hosted by Southwest General Hospital. During the meeting, representative Sandy Nechvatal, Zoe Nechvatal and William Eichenberg, Jr. attended on behalf of all of us. Highlighted during the presentation was the hospital's modern response to COVID-19 and their "zero harm" policy.
Following the COVID serge reported in 2022, Southwest General Hospital has remained cautious. While the hospital did report economic complications caused by the epidemic, their daily average of positive patients was 0-5. The hospital had also shifted it's focus to employee recruitment and engagement. Because the pandemic left a void in the medical workforce, Southwest General Hospitals has since been trying to compensate by partnering with educational systems. In addition to the COVID epidemic, Southwest General addressed the opioid outbreak. Likely because of COVID, the hospital had reported a rise in preventable overdose deaths. Southwest General met this increase by partnering with OhioGuidestone. The partnership has allowed the hospital to provide peer support for patients struggling with addiction issues.
Southwest General Hospital has also expressed their ongoing plan to adopt a "zero harm" policy. The new policy focuses on patients with "a high compliance to quality and safety metrics" (Sarah Brooks-meeting minutes).
Moreover, Southwest General Hospital was happy to announce their five-star quality recognition, and title as one of America's 250 best hospitals according to Healthgrades and The Plain Dealer. The Southwest Community Health Foundation also exceeded its target investment. In total, $15 million was invested back into the hospital for new equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
Sources
April 06, 2023 Southwest General Hospital meeting minutes
Southwest General Hospital