December 22, 2014 Clinical Excellence The Spirit of Giving Washington Regional Medical Center has been recognized by VHA Inc., the national healthcare network, for outstanding clinical performance. The Clinical Excellence Award for Core Clinical Process acknowledges Washington Regional’s outstanding performance related to the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia and for the prevention of surgical site infections. Based on hospital performance data during four consecutive quarters ending June 30, 2014, VHA recognized Washington Regional for achieving an average performance score equal to or exceeding 98 percent in each of the four categories. This award reflects the long-standing dedication that our employees, nurses and physicians have to ensure that our patients receive quality, compassionate care. Har-Ber High School students conducted a toy drive to benefit patients at Washington Regional. Here, they present the toys to Tara Madden, BSN, CMSRN, of Pediatrics and Rebecca McCann, MSN, RNC, of NICU. Women’s Center Expansion Planned Pending final financing, Washington Regional plans to begin a major expansion of our women’s center around Feb. 1, 2015, with completion expected in the fall of 2016. The project, which is needed to accommodate the area’s population growth and steadily increasing birth rates, will add slightly more than 105,000 square feet to the existing facility and add 100-125 new jobs at Washington Regional. The cost of the investment will be $50-55 million. The project plans include:  Additional operating room space  A significantly larger neonatal intensive care unit  Patient rooms for increasing volumes of births  Additional clinic space  A 360-space parking garage for convenience of patients and their families As the progressive healthcare leader in Northwest Arkansas, Washington Regional has always made it a priority to expand and add new services that our growing community needs. Expanding and enhancing our commitment to women’s services will ensure ample access to care and will offer greater convenience for families throughout Northwest Arkansas. Employee of the Month December 2014 Angelina Martinez Housekeeper Environmental Services Sara Elenbarger, RN, of the Medical/Surgical Unit is Washington Regional’s most recent recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, which honors the compassionate care and clinical excellence our nurses bring to their patients every day. DAISY nomination forms are available at all nursing units and the Washington Regional website and intranet. The patient who nominated Sara wrote: Her bedside nursing is absolutely impeccable. Sara is genuinely interested in and concerned for her patients. The day of my knee surgery, Sara quickly assessed my pain level and gave me the medication that had been ordered to help eradicate pain. She checked on me regularly. Winning Tree Honors Troops Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic sponsored the 6th Annual Festival of Trees recently, raising more than $500 for Washington Regional Hospice. From among six tabletop trees decorated by Senior Clinic staff members, a panel of judges chose an entry titled “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” which was decorated with U.S. troops in mind. The tree was designed by Kim McGaughey, Lenita Stoops, Barbara Trinkle, Dr. Stephen Gemmell, Heather Terry, Irmgard Graves, Vikki Griffin and Seqret Watson-St.Clair. Angelina, who joined Washington Regional in 2010, is always smiling and spreading cheer the second she enters a room. Her co-workers say she lives up to the meaning of her name, little angel. And, they say, by demonstrating pride in her work at the hospital, Willard Walker Hospice Home and Cancer Support Home, Angelina motivates others to do their best. Angelina with President/CEO Bill Bradley and Facilities Director Jeff Barker Har-Ber Physician Assistant Recognized Carolyn Nutter, PA-C, a physician assistant at Har-Ber Family Clinic in Springdale, has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Nutter, who has practiced as a physician assistant in Arkansas since 1978, was noted for exemplary achievement in service to the physician assistant profession, in the advancement of healthcare for all people, and in dedication to the community. A graduate of Wichita State University’s Physician Assistant Program, Nutter is certified by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Soar with Eagles You still have time to nominate a healthcare leader — an individual or organization — for a 2015 Eagle Award! Just complete an online application by Jan. 15 at www.wregional.com/ eaglenomination. Readers of CitiScapes magazine named Washington Regional the area’s best hospital in the magazine’s annual poll. Thanks to all who voted and all who work hard every day to help Washington Regional earn this distinction.