Emergency team earns national patient care award
Southwest Washington Medical Center's (SWMC) emergency department was recently recognized at a national conference for achieving some of the highest patient experience scores in the nation based on recent survey data from Professional Research Consultants, a leading provider of patient survey data and related services.
The department was recognized for moving its patient experience scores from the 30th percentile in national rankings to the 87th percentile earlier this year.
"The great strides we've seen in patient experience in the emergency room are even more impressive given the department's commitment to helping implement a zero ambulance divert policy in July," said Dan Keteri, vice president of Patient Care Services at SWMC. "It means more people are able to stay in their own community for the care they need rather than commute into Oregon for care."
City of Vancouver gets credit rating upgrade
Following a review of the city of Vancouver's financial statements, current 2009-10 budget and recently approved 2011-12 budget, the Standard & Poor's Rating Service (S&P) raised its long-term and underlying rating of the city of Vancouver from "AA-" up to "AA."
The S&P report states: "The raised rating reflects our view that the city has demonstrated a willingness and ability to manage its budget to sustain very strong reserves and balanced operations during a period of intensified revenue pressure."
Upgraded credit ratings generally translate into lower bond rates, providing savings to the city as a whole.
