ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Eight members of Rio Grande Hospital’s Service Excellence team recently attended the annual Health Care Service Excellence Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The conference is presented by Custom Learning Systems, an organization, which assists hospitals nation-wide in improving patient and employee satisfaction, by providing a customized, structured program designed for each individual hospital. Rio Grande Hospital has been participating in the program the past year. The conference is a celebration, inviting the hospital teams to network and enjoy motivational speakers.

Also, a part of the program includes awards for organizations that improve their patient satisfaction scores during the previous year. Additionally, Summit Awards are presented for top performers, who have been nominated by their peers and fellow employees. 

This year Brigitte Dickey received the award as Exceptional Employee. Brigitte, who works in Dietary as a manager and a cook, was nominated by Rio Grande Hospital employees for always being available and putting others ahead of her plans and schedule.

Two employees received a Pinnacle Awards, which are awarded to the top three individuals in each category of service. Winning Exceptional Nurse was Michelle Rogers, and Inspiring Administrator was Dr. Heidi Helgeson.

Health Care groups are also presented with awards indicating improvement in patient satisfaction scores. RGH won over 20 awards for significant improvement in Discharge Information and Education, Cleanliness, Providers Communicating to their patients to name a few. Another recognition was awarded to RGH for being above the national average for Overall Rating of a Facility, Communication with Nurses and Doctors, and Would Recommend Facility.

This national recognition is a testament to the devotion and care that RGH’s staff have for their patients and the community.