The first year of operations presented a number of challenges, including hiring and training of all staff, increasing the census from 122 to current census of 240, developing protocols, policies and structural upgrades to meet Life Safety Standards, building the infrastructure to support daily operations, and developing and maintaining security systems, all of which were accomplished during many months of construction.
Despite these challenges, many accomplishments should be noted. These include the provision of County funds for major facility upgrades, implementation of individual operational plans for service specific programs, and a very successful Department of Health Services (DHS) survey after only three months of occupancy in December 2003, and again in December 2004. No substandard care was noted and there was a medication rate of zero. BLTC completed a successful Life Safety Survey in December 2003. In addition, 13 community physicians were credentialed, and staff built relationships and gained the trust of the residents/family as demonstrated by the patient satisfaction scores of 84% after only six months of operation. The resident and family councils continue to provide positive feedback.
None of this could have been possible without the support and encouragement of your Board, the County Manager’s Office, County Counsel, Employee and Public Services, the Health Services Agency, the Hospital Board, Information Services Department, Public Works, Sheriff’s Office, the BLTC Implementation Task Force and the staff of BLTC and SMMC Main Campus.
San Mateo Medical Center looks forward to the February 8th meeting where the following plans for the coming year can be shared:
Completion of construction
Program development and implementation
Continued collaboration with other agencies and the community
Better integration with community based programs
Preparation for the annual Life Safety Survey for 2004-2005.
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