Innovation in Healthcare applicants sought

PROVIDENCE – Quality Partners of Rhode Island, the statewide health care improvement organization, today announced it is seeking applicants for its 2008 Advancing Innovation in Healthcare awards.

The program recognizes Rhode Island-based organizations and individuals for achievement and innovation in patient safety and quality of care. Its five categories are hospital, physician office, nursing home, home health agency and consumer health.

“This is an opportunity for successful programs to be recognized statewide,” Quality Partners said in its announcement. “If you are aware of a program that one of your peers has worked on, which has had positive results, please urge them to apply.”

The winners will be recognized at the 5th Annual Celebration of Healthcare Quality in Rhode Island, hosted by Quality Partners. The state’s two U.S. senators, Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the event, which is slated for Monday, Oct. 6, at the Crowne Plaza at the Crossings in Warwick.

In a separate statement this morning, the agency announced the election of four new members to its board of directors:

• Thomas Miller, assistant professor of health policy and management at Providence College.

• Dr. Harold Picken, associate chief medical officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

• Elaine Stephens, RN, president and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island.

• Matthew Trimble, administrator of the St. Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich.

“Quality Partners of Rhode Island is proud to have a visionary Board of Directors that provides strategic input for continued success and growth and to improve the local and national health care system,” the organization said in a statement. “The board [includes] community leaders representing, physicians, consumers, nursing professionals, business, financial services and academics.”

Quality Partners of Rhode Island is the health care quality-improvement organization for Rhode Island, as designated by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Additional information – including details of how to submit an application for the Advancing Innovation awards – is available at www.riqualitypartners.org. To submit an application, click on “Healthcare Awards”; to register for the annual awards breakfast, click on “Events.”