Their tagline claims that Grays Harbor Community Hospital provides “quality care, close to home” and these words ring true when it comes to surgical services. Between 20 surgeons, Grays Harbor Community Hospital performed 4,629 surgical procedures and 525 endoscopic procedures in 2013 for a total of 368,639 total surgical minutes. Not only is the number of surgeries performed impressive, but their success rate proves their claim of quality. With the nation benchmark of 2.4% infection rates post surgery, the rate of infection at Grays Harbor Community Hospital is merely 0.2%, not only meeting, but far exceeding national standards.
In the September 2013 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine, Grays Harbor Community Hospital received a top rating for surgery success and safety among regional hospitals. The report rated hospitals across the country using a five point scale ranging from better (5) to worse (1). Grays Harbor Community Hospital received a rating of 4, putting it in the top third of ranked hospitals in Washington State. Grays Harbor Community Hospital ranked higher than most hospitals in southwest Washington. Grays Harbor Community Hospital is an important resource to a community with limited options for health care, and their commitment to quality care shows in this recognition.
Internally, Grays Harbor Community Hospital focuses on improving their quality through constant vigilance of their patients post-surgery. “We have well trained physicians that are constantly striving to provide quality outcomes,” says Dr. Jonathan Gifford, MD, surgeon at Grays Harbor Community Hospital. The hospital gathers data for regular reporting on health outcomes within the hospital, both during procedures and in post-operation follow up. Surgeons and staff review the numbers routinely and are always seeking new ways to improve. Grays Harbor Community Hospital also participates in the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program, or SCOAP, as a way to collect information about the care of surgical patients in order to better monitor their quality of care. The SCOAP program is similarly committed to improving outcomes and provides a basis for feedback to hospitals seeking these measurements.
The hospital also participates in the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), a national quality partnership of organizations interested in improving surgical care by significantly reducing surgical complications. “We have seen improvements in these scores over the last year as the hospital and physicians have collaborated together to find ways to improve the quality care we provide,” explains Dr. Gifford.
Rates of infection may also be low because of the closeness of the community. Surgeons and primary care physicians are in close proximity, enabling better follow up care for patients who seek health care locally. Grays Harbor Community Hospital also strives to empower their patients to take care of themselves beyond their time in the operating room, in order to prevent complications in the future.
The numbers and statistics show the great successes Grays Harbor Community Hospital has achieved through their hard work to provide quality health care, but their commitment to people also shines in their surgery department.
A recent patient came to Grays Harbor Community Hospital for care when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Gifford performed two surgeries to remove the cancerous lump. The patient was pleased with her experience at Grays Harbor Community Hospital and with the staff. “He’s so personable,” she said in praise of Dr. Gifford, noting that he was attentive and compassionate and even took the time to hold her hand when she needed it most.
