MCG Recognized National Patient Recognition Week

Augusta, Ga. -- In terms of the quality of care offered by a hospital, there is perhaps no greater indicator than patient satisfaction.

National Patient Recognition Week (February 1-7) offers area hospitals and health providers an opportunity to pause and seriously reflect on their stewardship of patient care and their dedication to patient satisfaction.

"Not only is this a great time to thank our patients for choosing our facility for their care, but we can take that a step further by remembering the reason we chose to be in the health care environment," said Julie Moretz, Director of Family Services Development at the MCG Children's Medical Center. "During National Patient Recognition Week, it is appropriate for health care providers and staff to reinforce their commitment to patient care."

Plans at MCG include thanking patients in the adult hospital with a flower and card (patients in the CMC will receive stuffed animals) on Patient Recognition Day, which is February 3. In addition, MCG's dedicated group of patient advisors will receive flower arrangements in appreciation for collaborating with hospital staff on MCG's quality of care.

"Nearly 70 advisors participate on a regular basis on advisory councils, work groups and committees, offering their input and advice to help design and improve service delivery," said Moretz. "We want our patients to be satisfied, and collaborating with our consumers as experts is an integral part of our family-centered care philosophy. This week is the perfect time to let them know we appreciate what they do for us."

In terms of patient satisfaction, in fiscal year 2002 MCG Health System increased its total score in the Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey by 1.48 points. The MCG Children's Medical Center has been consistently top-rated in the survey, with scores in the 99th percentile. In addition, MCG's Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, which provides radiation oncology treatments, scores in the 94th percentile, while Outpatient Test and Treatment areas have boasted a steady increase in patient satisfaction scores.