In an effort to gauge the overall health needs of our community’s, West River Health Services will survey residents during an approximately three-week period starting October 10. Results of the survey will provide guidance to West River Health Services on better ways to address health care needs while also complying with new requirements of health care reform laws. The new regulations require non-profit hospitals to assess the community’s health needs periodically. West River Health Services is receiving assistance in conducting the assessment from the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Surveys will be distributed to area residents through various channels, including a mailing to area households, and by distributing the survey to in-patient and out-patient consumers who use West River Health Services facilities during the survey period. West River Health Services strongly encourages all area residents to participate in the survey. Residents may access an interactive, online version of the survey http://ruralhealth.und.edu/surveys/survey.php?sid=82.
Additionally, written copies are available by calling Cindy Ham at 567-6190 or email cindyh@wrhs.com. All survey responses are anonymous, and there is no way to track responses back to individuals. A postage-paid return envelope is included with each written survey. Survey responses are returned to the Center for Rural Health to help ensure anonymity.
The survey will allow West River Health Services to learn of the community’s awareness of local health care services being provided, hear suggestions and help identify any gaps in current and future services, and determine preferences for using local health care versus traveling to other facilities. In addition to specific questions, the survey also seeks general, open-ended input from residents about the community’s health needs and the delivery of local health care. Completing the survey takes about five to 10 minutes.
“We need to hear from our patients and public as to what services are desired and needed but currently not provided” states Jim Long, CEO. “Past input has provided direction in access, services and facilities that have helped shape us to the organization and services that we are today. However, times and patient needs are changing. We need to focus on the future and to meet these changing needs.”
The cost of the survey is covered by the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Grant Program, a project of the Center for Rural Health. The Flex Program is a state-based partnership that works with and assists all rural hospitals to stabilize and sustain their local healthcare infrastructure.
9/29/2011
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Community Relations
West River Regional Medical Center
1000 Highway 12
Hettinger, ND 58639-753