LAKEPORT, Calif. – As 2017 came to a close, the team at Sutter Lakeside Hospital enjoyed celebrating successes and the hard work we’ve done to continuously improve the way we care for our Lake County neighbors.

We’ve made drastic strides in quality, innovation and access – and our patients have noticed!

Innovation and access

– The Sutter Lakeside Community Clinic and Family Medicine Clinic nearly tripled the number of patients we care for while also decreasing appointment wait times.

– The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, a free event executed by SLH in partnership with a number of community organizations, served over 2,500 community members by providing 400 flu vaccines, 150 diabetes screenings, 43 HIV screenings and a number of other health services.

– Our Family Birth Center nurses have educated over 140 families about safe sleep practices. Each family who completes the free safe sleep seminar receives a free Smart Start bundle which includes a Pak N Play, a digital thermometer, a safe sleep sack and a number of other essentials to ensure a safe, smooth transition home.

– SLH leveraged system support to introduce technology such as e-ICU monitoring, video interpretation services and tele-psych to bring advanced care to our community.

Patient-centered, best in class care

– SLH has the second lowest readmission rate in the Sutter Health system. When we send our patients home, we equip them with the care and knowledge they need to stay healthy.

– SLH boasts the lowest sepsis rates in the system. Sepsis, a hospital-acquired infection, kills more than 250,000 people per year. Hospitals throughout the country struggle to battle sepsis, but SLH has consistently led the system in the lowest rates of sepsis by screening for and treating the condition as early as possible.

– SLH has had the most dramatic improvements in emergency room wait times within the Sutter Health system.

– Our hospital’s overall rating has increased by 10 percent according to patient surveys.

– The Center for Medicare Services gave Sutter Lakeside Hospital four out of five stars for quality care, including safety, patient experience and surgical outcomes.

The path forward

– Sutter Lakeside will continue to play an integral role in improving the wellness of Lake County. Community benefit goals will continue to focus on increasing access to healthcare, preventative health education, substance abuse education and services, and housing and homelessness.

– Sutter Lakeside Family Medicine Clinic will relocate to Creekside Medical Plaza this spring. The new space will be home for an increased number of providers, and has been designed with patient comfort in mind. The Family Medicine Clinic will also welcome Dr. Elyse Donald, a long standing community physician, later this month.

– Our team will continue to improve patient experience, as well as lead the way in clinical excellence.

Dan Peterson is chief administrative officer of Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, Calif.