WARWICK – Kent Hospital has received distinction as a NICHE Hospital (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders), designating its commitment to excellence in elder care, the hospital announced.
According to a news release, the NICHE distinction is determined by thorough review and evaluation by an international independent review panel focused on improvements in elder care. The distinction highlights Kent Hospital’s efforts in providing excellent patient-centered care for older adult patients.
Through the NICHE program, the hospital will be able to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences and improved care for older adults.
“Achieving NICHE designation is a great accomplishment for Kent Hospital and for our elderly patients throughout the community,” Dr. Michael Dacey Jr., Kent Hospital president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of the team of nurses at Kent for their dedication and commitment to becoming a NICHE hospital and providing high-quality care to our elders.”
Said Rebecca Burke, patient care services, chief nursing officer at Kent Hospital, “The Kent Hospital nursing staff has made this distinction possible through education and implementing evidence-based best nursing practice related to the care of our elderly patients. The NICHE program provides us a framework to further improve our practice around the quality and safety of this very important and growing segment of our population.”
NICHE, based at New York University College of Nursing, is an international elder care learning program designed to improve the care of older adults. The program’s mission is to provide principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.
“Kent Hospital shows a tremendous commitment to meet the most critical challenge of our times – quality care of older adults,” Barbara Bricoli, NICHE executive director, said in a statement. “The hospital’s dedication to drive continuous improvement processes and enhance care marks them as leaders in the field.”
NICHE has more than 550 hospitals and healthcare organizations from the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Singapore in the network.
