FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Logan Health – Whitefish Named the 2021 Innovation in Healthcare Award Recipient by Montana Hospital Association
Logan Health – Whitefish Earns Top Honor for Innovation in Healthcare in Montana
WHITEFISH, MT – October 5, 2021– The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) named Logan Health – Whitefish the winner of the association’s 2021 Innovation in Healthcare Award.
Innovation plays a key role in maintaining quality in today’s care environment. The Innovation in Healthcare Award was established to salute the innovations being
developed by Montana’s hospitals, nursing homes, and
other healthcare providers. Entries were judged not only on the quality of the project but also on how it fits into the organization’s vision, its effectiveness, its benefit to the community, and its applicability to other facilities.
“Meeting today’s healthcare challenges requires innovative approaches that will propel our communities forward. We’re proud to salute Logan Health – Whitefish for their innovative efforts toward Shared Leadership,” said Rich Rasmussen, Montana Hospital Association CEO. “We’re thrilled to recognize and encourage healthcare innovation that improves care and patient outcomes.”
“Logan Health – Whitefish continually endeavors to design and implement innovative ways to improve the patient experience and person-centered care,” said Kevin Abel, CEO Logan Heath – Whitefish. “The hospital has long valued open communication and participation between patients, their families, and their caregivers. We also value leadership from our medical and hospital staff. This, along with our commitment to the Planetree Philosophy, provided the inspiration for implementing a formal Shared Leadership model.”
Logan Health – Whitefish innovated the patient and staff experience through the implementation and accreditation of a formal Shared Leadership model.
The model is based on input from staff nurses and nursing directors seeking additional ways to improve the experience and outcomes for patients. Nurses recommended formally developing the concept to build on the organization’s person-centered culture by focusing on improved communication, autonomy, and a work environment promoting evidence-based, patient- centered, high-quality care.
The objectives were threefold: 1) Create an environment that supports nurses practicing at the highest level of their license. 2) Improve patient care by giving patients a voice through their caregivers. 3) Improve nurses’ satisfaction in their jobs leading higher retention.
Media Contact:
Riley Polumbus, Logan Health – Whitefish 406-863-3632
rpolumbus@nvhosp.org
About Logan Health – Whitefish
Logan Health – Whitefish is a 501(c) (3), non-profit community Critical Access Hospital located in scenic Whitefish, Montana. Logan Health – Whitefish was the first hospital in Montana to be affiliated with Planetree International, a non-profit organization that provides education and information in a collaborative community of healthcare organizations, facilitating efforts to create person centered care in healing environments. The hospital and its outreach clinics serve Flathead and Lincoln counties.
About The Montana Hospital Association
The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) is the principal advocate for the interests of members in their efforts to improve the health status of the communities they serve. MHA, in partnership with our communities, will make Montana a “Top 10 Healthy State.” For more information visit mtha.org.