Patients Rate South Peninsula Hospital Five Stars

South Peninsula Hospital (SPH) recently achieved a five-star rating in the Medicare Hospital Compare quality monitoring survey about patient care, which makes it the only hospital of 25 in the state of Alaska with a five star rating based on Medicare patient surveys.  

The patient survey asks a random sample of recently discharged patients about their hospital care experience on important topics like how well nurses and doctors communicated, how responsive staff were to their needs, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital. Specifically it measures communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, cleanliness of the hospital, quietness of the hospital, communication about medicines, discharge information, care transition, their overall rating of the hospital and their willingness to recommend the hospital.

Rachael Kincaid, Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital, attributes this ranking to not only the great work of staff, but also to the patients receiving care. “This ranking is a reflection of the teamwork and commitment demonstrated daily by our talented staff, as well as the commitment of the patients we care for as demonstrated in their willingness to provide the feedback. On behalf of the extended SPH team, we thank the community for this response. It is truly a privilege to provide care for members of the community at their locally-owned, community hospital.”

Through Medicare’s Hospital Compare program patients can not only give feedback on their care, but also compare hospital ratings based on name or location. Medicare updates the scores quarterly, usually based on the prior year’s surveys.  For more information and for current ratings state and nationwide, visit the Medicare hospital compare website at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospital.

South Peninsula Hospital is a locally owned and operated non-profit community hospital in Homer, Alaska.

Training Center moves!

The SPH Training Center has relocated to the other end of Pioneer Avenue, and is now located at 4014 Lake Street. This new location is conveniently located on the main floor of the blue building at the corner of Pioneer, East End Road and Lake Street (known to some as the old bank building, or former Scotts Pharmacy). Though primarily used for hospital staff trainings, the Training Center is home to CPR/First Aid trainings, basic life support trainings, Megan’s Place Needle Exchange, and other hospital sponsored education offerings. Co-located here will also be the SPH Education Department staff. Watch for signs going up soon!

SCAM ALERT

SCAM ALERT! Unfortunately, we’ve had reports that someone is spoofing local phone numbers, including South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Medical Clinic numbers, trying to get personal information. “Spoofing” is when scammers trick your phone’s caller ID into showing false information. Be cautious of any unexpected phone calls that appear to come from the hospital, and remember, our HR department will never call to ask for your social security or insurance numbers.

If you’re unsure, play it safe. Hang up and call back to see if the phone number was being spoofed. And don’t give out your personal information (birthday, SSN, insurance numbers) if someone calls and asks. This is happening all over the state, so please protect your personal information and spread the word to keep our community safe.