The Benedictine Health System attained another milestone in its quality journey as it was recognized with a 2009 Minnesota Quality Award at the Achievement Level at the Minnesota Council for Quality Annual Awards Ceremony on May 18.

BHS was of nine organizations receiving a 2009 MN Quality Award. “Many organizations are on the journey to excellence – businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and governmental agencies,” said Brian Lassiter, president, Minnesota Council for Quality. “These organizations have committed leaders, visions for the future, and a sharp focus on their customers and stakeholders. Their efforts are improving productivity, competitiveness, and outcomes of Minnesota organizations.”

The Minnesota Quality Award is the state version of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality program. The award is given at four different levels – commitment, advancement, achievement and excellence – with excellence being the highest.

Attaining the third level in the Minnesota Council for Quality (MCQ) program recognizes that BHS has demonstrated a higher level of performance excellence as measured by the Baldridge criteria for health care organizations. Organizations recognized at the Achievement level have established sound, effective approaches responsive to the overall requirements of the Baldridge criteria. These approaches are generally aligned throughout the organization and demonstrate some evaluation, refinement, and good results and trends for most areas important to the organization’s business requirements, with no major faults. Only five organizations in the past five years have received the MCQ Achievement level recognition.

Since 2005, BHS has participated in the MCQ program to improve its performance and service to those it serves. In this, BHS’ third assessment, MCQ examiners evaluated general information about BHS and specific information regarding the leadership, strategic plan, customers, staff, key processes, measurement and knowledge sharing, process improvement and organizational results. Following their review of the BHS application and input gathered from the August 2009 visit, the team issued its report, identifying areas for improvement.

“As a long-term care organization, it is important for us to meet the expectations of the consumer – in our case, the residents and family members we serve in our communities,” said Dale Thompson, BHS president/CEO. “We are pleased to accept this award as a tribute to the foundational base of our Mission and Core Values as well as the good work of the 7,000 employees of the Benedictine Health System as they care for our residents each and every day.”

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