EvergreenHealth Among 37 Hospitals Nationwide Recognized for Diabetes Care
The community-owned hospital has achieved designation as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes for the 3rd year in a row
KIRKLAND, WA — The Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) announced today that EvergreenHealth has received national designation as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes for the third straight year.
EvergreenHealth made the list of just 37 hospitals across 14 states earning this recognition for a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of hospitalized people living with diabetes. An estimated 30% of inpatients are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and they are at high risk of injury or even death when protocols are not followed.
"Our diabetes care teams, along with every physician, nurse, pharmacist, and staff member at EvergreenHealth, are experts at personalizing care to meet the individual needs of each patient with diabetes," said EvergreenHealth Chief Medical & Quality Officer David Likosky, MD, MBA. "Whether the patient has been living with diabetes for many years or is newly diagnosed, this recognition demonstrates that our providers deliver compassionate, advanced care tailored to meet the unique needs of every person that comes through our doors"
The Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes program is in its third year, evaluating hospitals based on their care for patients with diabetes during admission, hospital stay, and discharge. The program recognizes hospitals aligned with the ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes and Leapfrog's standards for excellence in hospital safety and quality.
"People living with diabetes face added risks when hospitalized, and institutions like EvergreenHealth are going the extra mile for the safety of adults living with diabetes," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "We congratulate EvergreenHealth for being one of 37 hospitals across the U.S. to earn this distinction."
"We congratulate these hospitals for demonstrating a commitment to safety and care that reflects the needs of those living with diabetes. Moving evidence-based standards of care into practice is the cornerstone of improving health outcomes and the lives of those living with diabetes," said Osagie Ebekozien, MD, MPH, the ADA's chief quality officer.
Hospitals are assessed both on the implementation of these processes and on how well they execute care delivered to patients. Among the standards recognized:
- Blood glucose (blood sugar) testing and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) protocols
- Specialized preparation for inpatient surgery
- Meal and insulin regimen planning
- Robust discharge planning for high-risk patients with diabetes
- Patient safety standards
Learn more about the Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes designation, including full details on the standards and instructions for hospitals applying for the recognition.
