ICU at Exeter Hospital recognized for excellence; area Doctors honored: Seacoast health news
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes the Intensive Care Unit at Exeter Hospital with Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence
EXETER – The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently conferred a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the Intensive Care Unit at Exeter Hospital.
Exeter is one of only two hospitals in the state to currently hold a Beacon Award in any department. In addition to the ICU, the hospital’s Progressive Care Unit and Family Center also currently hold Beacon Awards.
The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award. Exeter Hospital has also held a Magnet designation since 2013.
“I am extremely proud of the work the staff in the ICU has done to achieve this recognition,” said Elizabeth Keane, director of Exeter Hospital’s ICU. “Despite the continued additional work and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team put in the extra effort needed to apply for and achieve this award. They understand the importance of nursing excellence, and this is the fourth time the ICU has been recognized with this award.”
The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence earned by the ICU at Exeter Hospital signifies an effective approach to policies, procedures and processes that includes engagement of staff and key stakeholders. The unit has evaluation and improvement strategies in place and good performance measures when compared to relevant benchmarks. The ICU at Exeter Hospital earned its silver award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria:
Leadership Structures and Systems
Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement
Effective Communication, Knowledge Management and Learning and Development
Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
Outcome Measurement
AACN President Beth Wathen, MSN, APRN, CCRN-K, applauds the commitment of the caregivers in the Intensive Care Unit at Exeter Hospital for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence.
“The Beacon Award for Excellence is a testament to a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families,” Wathen explained. “Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution.”
Dartmouth-Hitchcock health physicians honored as "Top Doctors" in N.H.
LEBANON – One hundred fifty-four Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health physicians have been named by their peers as among the best doctors in N.H., according to New Hampshire Magazine’s annual “Top Doctors” survey of the state’s doctors.
The recognized physicians are employed and provide services at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock clinics around the state; Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon; Cheshire Medical Center in Keene; and New London Hospital. They are named across 47 specialties ranging from behavioral pediatrics and gastroenterology to nephrology and vascular surgery.
“Our 154 honorees is a significant increase from the 115 named last year, and underscores that our patients increasingly recognize the clinical excellence and warm, personalized care provided across the D-HH system,” said Joanne M. Conroy, MD, CEO and President of D-H and D-HH. “No matter where a patient connects with D-HH – whether at the academic medical center in Lebanon, at one of our critical access hospitals across the region or through our home health and hospice organization – they experience the full strength and skill of our academic health system.”
New Hampshire Magazine partners with the national research firm Castle Connolly to distribute surveys to every licensed practicing Granite State physician. The physicians are asked to nominate specialists who they would recommend to friends and family for treatment. Those receiving the most nominations are named as the top doctors and represent leading physicians in their respective specialties.
To see the complete list of D-HH’s 2022 “Top Doctors” honorees, please visit www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/find-provider/top-docs.
Ten individuals recognized for expanding access to primary health care to those in need
STATEWIDE — Ten individuals, nominated by their peers and selected unanimously by Bi-State Primary Care Association’s Board of Directors, will be recognized for outstanding contributions that support Bi-State’s mission to expand access to primary health care to all those in need. The 2022 Awards Ceremony will be shown during the Bi-State’s Primary Care Conference, May 17, and posted to Bi-State’s social media channels.
2022 Bi-State Primary Care Association Awards:
The Chair Award: The Board of Directors’ Chair Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Bi-State's mission to ensure access to health care for vulnerable populations in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Vermont - The Honorable Senator Leahy, Senator from Vt.
New Hampshire - Mary Bidgood-Wilson, FNP, CNM
The Public Service Award: The Public Service Award honors individuals whose position allows them to make extraordinary contributions in the areas of public health and primary care access in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Vermont - Merideth Plumpton, RN, Nurse Program Coordinator and Meghan Knowles, Provider Communications and Training Coordinator, Vermont Department of Health’s Immunization Program, Montpelier, Vt.
New Hampshire - Regina Blaney, Administrative and Data Coordinator, NH Oral Health Coalition, Concord, N.H.
The Hunt Blair Leadership Award: The Hunt Blair Leadership Award recognizes the potential every individual has to improve the lives of many people, as demonstrated by the brilliance, tenacity, and vision of Hunt Blair.
Vermont - Christopher Towne, Chief Strategy Officer, Northern Counties Health Care, Concord, Danville, Hardwick, Island Pond, Orleans, and St. Johnsbury, Vt.
New Hampshire - Nina DeMarco, LICSW, MLADC, Manager of Behavioral Health, Amoskeag Health, Manchester, N.H.
The Outstanding Clinician Award: The Outstanding Clinician Award honors primary care clinicians whose exemplary skills and service have made a significant impact on the health of underserved patients and the communities in which they serve.
Vermont - Michelle Hollis, RN, Practice Administrator and Michele Fagnant, RN, Covid Response Nurse, Little Rivers Health Care, Bradford, E. Corinth, and Wells River, Vt.
New Hampshire - Kevin Zent, MD, Medical Director, Goodwin Community Health (Greater Seacoast Community Health), Somersworth, N.H.
Senator Bernie Sanders Leadership Award: In 2010, Senator Bernie Sanders and Bi-State Primary Care Association established the Senator Bernie Sanders Leadership Award for those individuals who have made monumental and enduring contributions to the Community Health Center movement in public policy, innovation, leadership, excellence, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the core founding values of the Community Health Center program.
Awarded to: Sara Rosenbaum, J.D. is the Harold and Jane Hirsh Professor of Health Law and Policy and Founding Chair of the Department of Health Policy at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University.
Girls Inc. named Champion in Action for mental health support and education
STATEWIDE – Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold, has been named a 2022 Champion in Action in the category of Mental Health Support and Education. The award, announced jointly by Citizens and New Hampshire Union Leader, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.
Girls Inc. has developed a wraparound approach to mental health management, including programming, partnerships and staff trainings. Their curriculum is routed in stress management, confidence building, substance abuse prevention, and decision-making skills. Programs like Mind + Body and Friendly PEERsuasion – a substance abuse prevention program serving 150 girls – discuss life's challenges and provide coping skills in an environment where girls can practice their skills daily. Girls Inc. has also built partnerships with Amoskeag Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock and Greater Manchester Mental Health Center to offer weekly therapy for both girls and parents, as well as guest speakers and informational sessions about mental health journeys and how to recognize the signs of mental illness in someone they know or love.
“Girls Inc. has a long history of helping young women thrive and become leaders in their communities,” said Joe Carelli, president, Citizens New Hampshire. “Their holistic approach focuses on ensuring girls are healthy not only physically, but mentally as well. This work is more important than ever as we continue to understand how the pandemic has impacted young people.”
"Here at the Union Leader we are excited to bring more attention to the fantastic work of Girls Inc. of New Hampshire,” said New Hampshire Union Leader publisher Brendan McQuaid. “They are continuing more than 150 years of work in seeing girls not for who they are, but for who they can become.”
The Champions in Action program, now in its 20th year, has awarded more than $10 million in contributions and promotional support to 362 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint. In N.H., 57 nonprofits have been honored, receiving more than $1.6 million.
“Girls Inc. N.H. has a clear mission - to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold. We help girls expand their horizons and remind them about how their unique strengths can pave the way to a bright future. Mental Health is a key component in our approach, as we empower young women to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond. Through our own curriculum and robust partnerships, we’re ensuring that the girls we serve have the tools they need to be healthy, both physically and mentally,” says Sharron McCarthy, chief executive officer of Girls Inc. of New Hampshire.
As a Champion in Action, Girls Inc. of New Hampshire will receive: A $35,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens; volunteer support from Citizens and the New Hampshire Union Leader; public relations and promotional support; coverage and advertising support from the New Hampshire Union Leader.
For more information about the Citizens and New Hampshire Union Leader Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/community/champions-in-action.aspx.
Raymond Coalition For Youth and Unite Us partner to meet community needs
RAYMOND — The Raymond Coalition For Youth and Unite Us, the nation’s leading technology company connecting health and social care services, are partnering to expand the coordinated care network known as Unite Us in New Hampshire, and address the unmet needs of people and families throughout the state.
Unite Us helps connect people to much-needed resources and services such as assistance with mental and behavioral health services, youth and family resources, and financial assistance. The New Hampshire network launched in December of 2020, and quickly grew to over 165 network partners who use the Unite Us Platform to send and receive secure electronic referrals, and track the outcomes of their clients’ overall health journey.
For over 20 years, the Raymond Coalition For Youth has been dedicated to increasing community partnerships to help connect people to resources and support for better health outcomes.
“We know it can be a challenge for people who are looking for mental health, or substance misuse support services in NH, not to mention housing and food insecurity. We are looking forward to working with Unite Us and their simplified process to get support to those who need it,” said Celeste Clark, Executive Director of Raymond Coalition for Youth.
Together, the Raymond Coalition For Youth and Unite Us will be able to securely connect people in need with community-based resources that can be difficult to navigate. The network provides a central point of contact where health care providers, social service organizations, and individuals can securely access and refer people to needed services while monitoring progress and measuring outcomes.
“Our partnership with The Raymond Coalition For Youth aligns with our goal to connect residents of New Hampshire with much-needed resources and services they need, regardless of circumstance,” said Nadine Lamontagne, Community Engagement Manager, Unite Us. “Our team works collaboratively to support and train network partners that coordinate care no matter where in the state people live. Our collective goal is to increase equitable access to care and services across the state,” she added.
To learn more about services offered through the network, visit newhampshire.uniteus.com.