Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics Receives the 2024 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness

In an emergency, time becomes more precious than gold.

Red Oak, IA. – May 8th – Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics (MCMH + Clinics) has been named one of the Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare. The award signifies that MCMH + Clinics is in the top 5% in Emergency Care and top 9% in Emergency Timeliness and out of 4,642 U.S. hospitals offering emergency care services.

Emergency departments (ED) are an essential part of the healthcare system as they provide fast, life-saving care to millions each year. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, ED staff typically has one patient encounter, often when anxiety and fear is at its peak, making time of the essence.

“Emergency departments can be very stressful environments, particularly for the elderly or a mother with a sick or injured child,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “When an emergency strikes, time becomes more precious than gold. The ER is a symphony of urgency, where every second counts and quick decisions can mean the difference between life and death. In this high-stakes environment, 'Less is More' isn't just a catchy phrase - it's a crucial strategy for saving lives and improving outcomes. That’s why we are recognizing those hospitals that have the shortest ER wait times and high recommendation scores for their exceptional commitment for timely care, when it matters most.”

The methodology for Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness awards is unique in that it combines Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey recommendation results with process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the emergency department, including:

Emergency Care:

• Average time patients spent in the ED before leaving from the visit
• Average time patients spent in the ED before admitted to the hospital as an inpatient

Emergency Timeliness:

• Total Time Spent in the Emergency Department
• Percent of Emergency Patients Who Left Without Being Seen

The awards are especially significant given that long waits and high crowding can negatively impact patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length of hospital stay and an increase in mortality rates.

“MCMH + Clinics not only has some of the shortest ER wait times, but it also has a higher-than-average recommendation rating, which is very important to women when it comes to health-related decisions” says Passi.

MCMH + Clinics is one of 606 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for emergency care and timeliness in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

Krystalle Fada, MCMH + Clinics Chief Nurse Executive, expresses her gratitude and community commitment, "Winning the Women's Choice Award for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. This recognition underscores our dedication to prioritizing timely and compassionate emergency care, ensuring that patient’s feel safe, respected, and empowered during their healthcare journey. It serves as a reaffirmation of our mission to deliver excellence in emergency services, fostering trust and confidence within the communities we serve."

In August of 2023 MCMH + Clinics announced its decision to bring all Emergency Department providers under its direct employment. In a significant move, the hospital on boarded six new providers, comprising of medical doctors and advanced practice providers. This move assembles an eight-member team of experienced emergency medicine providers. These providers are seamlessly integrated into the MCMH Medical staff, embodying a dedication to providing top-tier care to our patients.

Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Kerchner, Medical Director of Inpatient & Emergency Medicine, the newly formed team comprises both familiar faces and new faces, all of who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ED. The team is comprised of Angela Kerchner, MD; Scott Hoffman, DO; Steve Lapke, MD; Chris Lindgren, MD; Tu Anh Luong, MD; David Owens, MS, ARNP (Lead Hospitalist & Emergency Medicine); Leah Rowell, PA-C, and Tom Schmadeke, PA-C (Primary Care & Emergency Medicine).

CEO Ron Kloewer expressed his enthusiasm for the latest development stating, "We are thrilled about the addition of MCMH employed providers in our Emergency Department. Dr. Kerchner has done a wonderful job assembling a team of dedicated physicians and advanced practice providers. This marks an important step in our continued commitment to our patients and community." Reflecting on this award he added “the commitment of the entire ED team including all the staff to care for our patients in a timely and compassionate manner is something I’m so proud of. They have truly come together as an amazing team and I think being honored in this kind of way demonstrates that”.

ABOUT Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics is a leading healthcare institution dedicated to serving the needs of our community. With a focus on patient-centric care and a commitment to fostering lasting relationships, MCMH provides a comprehensive range of medical services, anchored by a team of skilled professionals.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD

The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals™ is a trusted referral source and coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that includes relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditations. The Best Hospitals demonstrate exceptional ratings, providing the highest level of care and commitment to their patients’ health and well-being. The Women's Choice Award is the only designation that takes into consideration the preferences of women when selecting a hospital. Visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/ to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kathi Waldhof |Women’s Choice Award® - Best Hospitals Program Administrator T: (954) 922-0846 x. 2 KWaldhof@womenschoiceaward.com

Jamie Werges | Montgomery County Memorial Hospital - Community Relations Director T: (712) 623-7268 jamwer@mcmh.org