Photo Release -- Nyack Hospital Receives 2008 Press Ganey Compass Award for Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction; 30-Minute Service Standard Makes Our Patients the True Winners

• Press Release
• Source: Nyack Hospital
• On 6:00 am EST, Tuesday November 25, 2008

NYACK, N.Y., Nov. 25, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The prestigious 2008 Compass Award from Press Ganey Associates for outstanding improvement in Emergency Department patient satisfaction was awarded to Nyack Hospital on November 18, 2008. Press Ganey recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is one measure of high quality healthcare, and the Compass Award distinguishes facilities that show the highest rate of improvement in patient satisfaction over a two year period. The Press Ganey Compass Award is a coveted symbol of achievement in the healthcare industry and is bestowed annually. Nyack Hospital is only one of six facilities to receive this honor nationwide for their Emergency Department.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5644

Nyack Hospital's Emergency Department ranks in the top 10% of New York Hospitals in patient satisfaction. Patients receiving care at Nyack Hospital's Emergency Department are mailed a survey and are asked to rate the Nyack Hospital Emergency Department on various factors, such as the service provided by the medical personnel, noise level, cleanliness of the facility, respect for their privacy and other services. Feedback from these surveys is incorporated into our performance improvement activities. These surveys also allow Nyack Hospital to benchmark itself against other state and local facilities.

The Hospital re-engineered the Emergency Department using LEAN methodologies to improve efficiency. Bedside patient registration was initiated, as well as bedside triage. An electronic medical record was installed. These tools allowed our healthcare providers to improve the emergency department experience and maintain quality care.

All of these efforts enabled Nyack Hospital to successfully launch a 30-Minute Service Standard, solving the nationwide problem of long wait times right in its community. Patients who arrive at Nyack Hospital's Emergency Room will have medical care initiated within 30 minutes of arrival, provided by board-certified physicians, physician-assistants and nurse practitioners. If care does not begin within the 30-minute standard, patients will receive a letter of apology and a gift certificate to Inserra Shop Rite Supermarkets. Our slogan, ``Your Emergency Is Our Emergency'' is reflected in winning the Compass Award.

``In today's chaotic healthcare environment, the ability of our Emergency Department to reduce ED wait times and increase patient satisfaction in the process is evidence of a strong Emergency Department physician group-Emergency Medical Associates-that shares our commitment to exceptional patient care and patient satisfaction. The clinical, operational and patient satisfaction expertise we have received from Emergency Medical Associates has significantly contributed to the Emergency Department at Nyack Hospital becoming a regional showcase,'' stated Michael Rader. MD, Vice President/Medical Director at Nyack Hospital.

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY. Founded in 1895, it is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at http://www.nyackhospital.org.

The photo is also available at Newscom, http://www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

          Nyack Hospital
          Amy Massimo, Director, Public Affairs
          845.348.2773
          www.nyackhospital.org