Despite uncertain economic times, Broward Health Imperial Point Medical Center (IPMC) has seen a most exciting year in regards to internal achievements, technology and physical plant expansion.
The year 2009 brought several recognitions to IPMC the greatest being our Joint Commission accreditation with only one direct impact citation. Because of our stellar performance, surveyors remarked that IPMC was embracing the principles of a “high reliability” and “just culture” organization. Another top performance premiered at the 17th Annual Governors Sterling Award Showcase. The SCIP Team was named State Runner-Up for their showcase presentation, based on the musical “Mamma Mia!” featuring music from ABBA, highlighting our dramatic compliance with surgical-related care in the prevention of infections. More talented IPMC staff rose to the top during Compliance Week with first place given to the cast members of “Following the Yellow Brick Road to Integrity.” This “Wizard of Oz” themed skit was based on the education and adherence to compliance and ethics. The respiratory team was named a Quality Respiratory Care Hospital for 2009. Approximately 700 out of 5,000 hospitals in the US have been named a Quality Respiratory Care Hospital. IPMC was also named “Top Hospital” by the American Diabetes Association for fundraising efforts. Acquiring the da Vinci robot in 2008 was the springboard for even more technology acquisitions in 2009. Both radiologists and patients were happy that IPMC received PACS Picture Archiving and Communications System. This state-of-the-art diagnostic tool provides a more accurate and faster “read” of radiology tests. The $488,000 digital mammography unit and the $398,000 nuclear medicine camera were installed adding to the cache of cutting edge radiology technology. The surgery department purchased surgical towers with high-definition screens for enhanced visibility for our surgeons. Medical Records began the conversion to electronic records this year as well. For easier access and greater security in the hospital, the conventional “swipe” badge system was upgraded to the “proximity card” system. No longer will employees and physicians have to run their badge through a reader, they merely have to “flash” their badge at a reader. IPMC has not seen this many bulldozers, forklifts and cranes in its recent 37 year history than in 2009. Two major physical plant additions were added this year including a new Medical Arts Pavilion a 65,000 square foot medical office building housing not only a variety of specialists but also IPMCs future Ambulatory Surgery Center and a new Emergency Department built from the ground up. In FY 2009, the existing, tiny 6,400 square foot ED saw an additional 5,000 new patients, so the new, nearly 25,000 square foot ED to open January 3, 2010, will be a welcomed and appreciated addition, not only by staff but by patients. From the wood floors to Corian® countertops, the 20 patient treatment rooms (including three private behavioral health rooms) will allow greater privacy and comfort for patients and their families as well as more efficient medical care by staff. Other renovations at IPMC include; laboratory histology and blood bank, behavioral health unit enhancements such as a larger counseling room and safer nursing station, and enhanced waiting areas. Initial plans for a complete lobby redesign for FY11 are already in the works. Though IPMC is enjoying growth of its technology and physical plant, it is encountering some of the same challenges as the rest of the healthcare industry the increase of the uninsured (IPMC is experiencing 1 in 5 patients being uninsured compared to last year with 1 in 10), the conversion to an electronic medical record with the concomitant learning curve of physicians and clinical staff, and the loss of some profitable outpatient volume to freestanding physician- owned facilities. Even with these challenges, the Imperial Treatment continues at Broward Health Imperial Point Medical Center.
