Taking the Lead to Improve Quality

For 50 years, Highline has been known for convenient, compassionate care. Now it is being recognized for something more: it's role as a regional and national leader in improving healthcare quality. Teams of dedicated doctors, nurses and technicians are all working together on a variety of initiatives designed to improve outcomes. And as the state's first affiliate of the prestigious Planetree organization, we are also at the forefront of efforts to improve the patient experience.

Quality Awards and Recognition

2008 Washington State Quality Award. In May 2008, the Governor's office presented the Washington State Quality Award, for achievement based on the nationally recognized Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Highline Medical Center was one of only seven award recipients and the only healthcare organization recognized. Highline was honored for its strategic planning process and for its efforts in implementing the Planetree philosophy of Patient-Centered care.

2008 American Heart Associations Silver Performance Award for 12 months of consecutive Quality Care. The American Heart Association recognized Highline Medical Center for its performance in its Get With The Guideline's Program. Highline received the AHA award for implementing the latest evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and was among hospitals nationwide featured in an ad for the program in US News and World Report.

2007 Premier Award for Quality. Highline Medical Center was one of only six hospitals nationwide to earn the coveted Premier Award for Quality in Hip and Knee replacement for 2007. Premier is a national alliance of more than 1700 non-profit hospitals and health systems that tracks hospital performance metrics. Highline Medical Center was recognized as a national leader for its high clinical quality, low complication rates and cost-effective use of resources. To learn more, click here.

Quality Measurement

Hospital Compare. In May 2008 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ran ads nationwide featuring hospital performance on two key quality measures. Highline ranked first in the state for its performance on one measure: the percentage of patients at each hospital who were given antibiotics one hour prior to surgery. To see more about other measures, visit the USHHS Hospital Compare website.

Washington State Hospital Quality Measures. The Washington State Hospital Association also offers a quality reporting website, that compares hospitals across than 35 measures in five different categories. To learn more, visit www.wahospitalquality.org/.