Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted

Choosing a healthcare provider is one of the most significant decisions you make for yourself and your family. In a world brimming with options, how do you discern which institution truly stands out for its commitment to patient well-being, quality care, and community trust? For many in west-central Nebraska, northern Kansas, and northern Colorado, the answer consistently points to Great Plains Health.

But what exactly makes Great Plains Health a beacon of reliability and excellence in the healthcare landscape? This article will delve into the core reasons Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted, exploring its deep community roots, unwavering dedication to quality, advanced medical capabilities, and patient-first philosophy.

A Legacy of Care: Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted in the Community

Great Plains Health isn't just a hospital; it's a cornerstone of the communities it serves. Its trusted status is built upon decades of dedicated service and a profound commitment to the well-being of its neighbors.

Roots in the Community

Established in 1975 through the merger of Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, Great Plains Health has a long-standing history of providing care to the region. This deep historical connection means the institution has grown with the community, understanding its unique needs and evolving to meet them. As a non-profit, 116-bed regional referral center, its focus remains squarely on patient care and community health, not shareholder profits.

Beyond Medical Care: Community Engagement

Great Plains Health extends its impact far beyond the walls of its facilities. The organization actively engages with community members through various initiatives, including community advisory boards and health surveys, to identify and address local health needs. For instance, they conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years to understand and tackle health disparities.

Their commitment is also evident in their "Great Plains Gives" program, which annually grants thousands of dollars to local community projects like the Platte River Fitness Series and car seat safety initiatives. Furthermore, Great Plains Health employees are highly involved in volunteering, contributing over 25,000 hours to local organizations in 2023 alone. This active participation in community growth and well-being solidifies Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted as a true community partner.

Unwavering Commitment to Quality and Safety

When it comes to healthcare, quality and patient safety are paramount. Great Plains Health consistently demonstrates its dedication to these critical areas through rigorous accreditations, recognized awards, and a patient-centered approach.

Accreditations and Recognitions

Great Plains Health holds full accreditation from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) under its acute care hospital program. This signifies adherence to national healthcare standards and Medicare requirements. Beyond general accreditation, they have received specialized certifications, including:

• Primary Stroke Center certification from CIHQ.
• Joint Replacement Center certification from CIHQ, and recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.
• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation.
• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, Comprehensive Center.

These accreditations highlight Great Plains Health's commitment to excellence across various specialties.

Patient-Centered Care and Outcomes

The hospital's dedication to quality is also reflected in its performance metrics and patient experience. Great Plains Health earned a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), scoring above the national average for Safety of Care. This rating assesses mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timeliness and effective care.

They have also been recognized as a "Top Rural Hospital" by The Leapfrog Group multiple times (2019, 2020, and 2021), an award that considers patient care quality across various areas, including infection rates, safer surgery practices, and medication error prevention. Their mission to "inspire health and healing by putting patients first—always" is a driving force behind their operational philosophy.

Expert Professionals and Advanced Technology

A hospital's strength lies in its people and its tools. Great Plains Health invests heavily in both, ensuring patients receive care from highly skilled professionals utilizing cutting-edge medical technology. This is another key reason Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted.

Highly Skilled Medical Team

With nearly 100 physicians representing 30 medical specialties, Great Plains Health offers a broad spectrum of expert care. Their emergency department physicians, for example, are residency-trained and board-certified in emergency medicine. The hospital also partners with 250 academic institutions to provide rural internships for medical, nursing, and allied health students, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. They actively support nursing education, including a Capstone Preceptorship Program that pairs student nurses with practicing RNs.

Embracing Innovation for Better Health

Great Plains Health continuously focuses on advancing and improving the healthcare they deliver, implementing new technology to enhance efficiency and patient care. They house western Nebraska's only wound healing center and a Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit. Their commitment to innovation ensures that patients have access to advanced medical services close to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel for specialized treatments.

Comprehensive Services for All Your Health Needs

Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted also stems from its ability to provide a wide array of services, ensuring comprehensive care for diverse patient populations.

From Primary Care to Specialized Treatments

Great Plains Health is a regional referral center offering advanced medical services across numerous specialties. These include:

• Heart and vascular care
• Cancer care (with an American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer center)
• Orthopedic services
• Women's services
• A Level III trauma center
• Behavioral health services, including a dedicated inpatient unit and outpatient services for all ages

They serve a wide range of patient populations, from neonatal and pediatric to adult, obstetric, and geriatric.

Integrated Health Solutions

The health system operates through 13 Great Plains Physician Network and hospital-based clinics, with providers offering outreach in 26 critical access hospitals in Nebraska and Kansas. This extensive network ensures that quality care is accessible throughout the region. The hospital also offers support services like case management and chaplain services to address the holistic needs of patients and their families.

The Patient Experience: Compassion and Communication

At Great Plains Health, the patient is always first. This philosophy is deeply embedded in their mission and is evident in their commitment to a positive patient experience, built on compassion and clear communication.

Stories of Trust and Healing

While specific patient testimonials aren't detailed in the provided search results, the emphasis on patient satisfaction and feedback mechanisms speaks volumes. Great Plains Health employs a patient experience officer and patient experience teams who visit rooms daily to ensure patient needs are met. They actively seek feedback through surveys after inpatient stays to continually improve care. This focus on listening and responding to patients contributes significantly to Why Great Plains Health Is Trusted.

Clear Communication and Support

The hospital's mission, "to inspire health and healing by putting patients first—always," underpins their approach to communication. They strive to make every patient's stay as comfortable as possible, recognizing that satisfaction extends beyond clinical accuracy. The availability of patient advocates and clear channels for feedback, including direct contact and through CIHQ, demonstrates their transparency and commitment to resolving concerns.

Conclusion

The trust placed in Great Plains Health by its community is not accidental; it's the result of a deliberate and continuous pursuit of excellence. From its deep roots and active engagement within the community to its unwavering commitment to quality, advanced medical services, and a truly patient-first approach, Great Plains Health consistently demonstrates why it is a leading and reliable healthcare provider. Their dedication to improving health and healing, always putting patients first, makes them a truly trusted partner in the journey to well-being.

Are you seeking a healthcare provider that prioritizes your needs and is deeply invested in the health of its community? Explore the comprehensive services offered by Great Plains Health and experience the difference that genuine trust can make in your healthcare journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What types of medical services does Great Plains Health offer?

Great Plains Health offers a wide range of advanced medical services, including heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, orthopedic services, women's health, a Level III trauma center, and comprehensive primary care. They also provide specialized services like a wound healing center and a Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit.

Q2: How does Great Plains Health ensure patient safety and quality of care?

Great Plains Health maintains high standards of patient safety and quality through various accreditations from organizations like CIHQ, including certifications for Primary Stroke Center and Joint Replacement Center. They have also received a four-star rating from CMS and have been recognized as a "Top Rural Hospital" by The Leapfrog Group, which assesses factors like infection rates and medication error prevention.

Q3: Is Great Plains Health involved in the local community?

Yes, Great Plains Health is deeply involved in the community. As a non-profit organization, they actively engage with community members, conduct regular health needs assessments, and contribute financially to local projects through their "Great Plains Gives" program. Their employees also volunteer thousands of hours annually.

Q4: How can I provide feedback about my experience at Great Plains Health?

Great Plains Health is committed to patient satisfaction and encourages feedback. During your stay, patient experience teams may visit your room. You can also provide feedback through surveys sent after inpatient stays or by contacting their patient advocate directly.