MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mon Health Medical Center celebrated many accomplishments in 2023 that will provide momentum into 2024.
Chief Administrative Officer Krystal Atkinson said their commitment to continuous improvement and maximizing the use of technology have paved the way for their accomplishments.
“One of the things that they really challenge each other with is looking at our current data and looking at ways we can improve,” Atkinson said. “The improvement is not for improvements’ sake. Every improvement we make is a better outcome for our patients.”
During 2023, Dr. Shakuri-Rad performed the first urologic single port procedure in West Virginia using the da Vinci Single Port system by Intuitive, the hospital was named a High Performing Hospital in Heart Failure and COPD by U.S. News’ Best Hospitals, Dr. Matthew Gaskill performed the state’s first cardiac ablation using POLARx, the hospital’s Family Birth Center was re-designated as one of the only baby-friendly hospitals in the state, and Dr. Wissam Gharib performed the first renal denervation in West Virginia for high blood pressure. Also, three nurses were recognized with the DAISY Award, a national award highlighting the accomplishments of nurses.
Atkinson said every new advancement or process has to improve the patient experience.
“Can we do better than those national benchmarks and make sure our teams understand that every time we challenge ourselves to that level, our patients are benefiting from that?” Atkinson said.
The Mon Pathways to Success program is a partnership with the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and the agencies at Hazel’s House of Hope to help people work toward success. The program helps people re-enter or overcome barriers to entering the workforce by helping with a high school diploma, or GED, or obtaining important documents required to work. Two cohorts graduated from the program in 2023.
“Give a hand up to some folks that may have found themselves in some challenging situations in their lives, giving them the opportunity to find a place to call home,” Atkinson said.
At the 59th Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary 59th Annual Ball of the Year, more than $500,000 was raised for the development of Caring Cottages. The program will provide a home away from home for people with family members being treated at the Mon Health Medical Center.
“It takes that burden away of that extra cost to stay in a hotel, and it also gives them a place on our property to take a breather,” Atkinson said.
Mon Health Medical Center is the flagship hospital of Mon Health System, which, with the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Health System and Davis Health System, make up Vandalia Health.