Sparrow ER recognized, Health Care Organization of the Month

Published: Oct. 6, 2011

LANSING, Mich. - The Sparrow Hospital Emergency Department has achieved national recognition as a standout facility and an example of what is right in healthcare.

The Studer Group, a Florida-based consulting firm that works with more than 800 healthcare organizations worldwide, honored the Sparrow Emergency Department as the Health Care Organization of the Month for October.

The award is based on achievement, improvement and overall performance.

There are more than 110,000 visits a year to Sparrow's ED. The Sparrow ED has seen its patient satisfaction scores rise from the 45th to the 85th percentile of like-size hospitals nationally. Its rate of patients who left before treatment fell to 1.6 percent in the last quarter of 2010, compared to a 1.9 percent national average.

The Sparrow ED has shown impressive results in the past year, implementing measures to reduce the number of untreated patients, lengths of stay, and waiting times. Sparrow has the only Level 1 Trauma Center in mid-Michigan.

"We are thrilled by this award and the recognition of our efforts," said Tony Briningstool, M.D., Executive Medical Director, Emergency Services. "We are dedicated to improving patient care and the health of the people in our communities."