For Immediate Release
February 7, 2006
Contact: Michael Valentino
732-751-7538
mvalentino@meridianhealth.com

JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER AND RIVERVIEW MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING AN OUTSTANDING INPATIENT EXPERIENCE

Neptune, NJ - Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center, part of Meridian Health located in Neptune, N.J., have been recognized for service excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program. This distinction acknowledges a strong commitment by Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center to provide an outstanding inpatient experience.

The service excellence distinction was determined by surveying recently discharged patients from each hospital on their perceptions of their hospital stay and comparing the results to the national benchmark established by the annual J.D. Power and Associates National Hospital Service Performance Study. The telephone-based research conducted among Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center patients focuses on the five key drivers of patient satisfaction with their overall hospital experience. These drivers, which were identified in the national study, include: dignity and respect; speed and efficiency; comfort; information and communication; and emotional support.

“Based on the rigorous standards of our national hospital service performance research, only 20 percent of the hospitals in the nation will be qualified to achieve this distinction,” said Steven D. Wood, Ph.D., executive director of the healthcare division of J.D. Power and Associates. “Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center are among an elite class of hospitals.”

Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center each exceeded the national benchmark study score for overall patient satisfaction. Jersey Shore performed especially well compared to the national study in the speed and efficiency with which the staff delivered care to their patients, particularly on the nurses’ performance of regular duties and the speed and efficiency of tests and treatments personnel. Riverview performed very well compared to the national study in the area of providing comfort to patients during their stay, receiving high marks from patients on the doctor’s concern about controlling pain and concern for continued recovery and well-being after discharge. Jersey Shore also performed well in the area of comfort; which is particularly evident in patient ratings of the hospital’s concern for comfort during procedures and concern for continued recovery and well-being after discharge. Riverview performed markedly well on meeting the emotional needs of patients, particularly on the nurses doing things for patients without being asked and the confidence and trust in tests and treatments and personnel skill levels. Additionally, patients were asked to rate their level of trust and confidence in the hospitals after their most recent stay. Among Jersey Shore and Riverview patients, more than one-half of patients indicate they have more or much more trust and confidence in the hospital after their most recent stay.

“Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center received this distinction by providing patients with a consistent, positive experience,” said Wood. “The caregivers, physicians and administrative staff can be proud of their contribution to the care and health of their community. On a broader note, at a time when consumers are increasingly exerting influence over the delivery of their care and seeking credible resources to make well-informed decisions, being recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as a Distinguished Hospital enables Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center and other top-performing hospitals to effectively communicate this outstanding accomplishment in the communities they serve.”

Non-government, acute-care hospitals throughout the nation are eligible for the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital recognition. Distinction is valid for one year, after which the hospital may reapply for this recognition.

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