Secretary of Health Presents Excellence Awards to Nursing Home Facilities in Montgomery, Philadelphia Counties

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Eli. N. Avila today visited two nursing home facilities to present the state's inaugural "Awards for Excellence in Health Care Compliance."

"One of our goals is to change how we demonstrate quality assurance in Pennsylvania," said Dr. Avila. "In reviewing our role, we realized we were missing positive reinforcement, which led to this award recognizing facilities that have shown excellence in meeting state regulations."

The Department of Health licenses and oversees 713 nursing homes statewide, conducting approximately 5,000 inspections annually, including licensure and certification surveys, follow-up surveys and complaint investigations.

Facilities receiving the award were required to have no state citations over the last three calendar years based on annual health survey inspections. All department-licensed nursing homes were eligible for the award and did not need to apply to be considered.  

Dr. Avila's first visit today was to The Meadows at Shannondell, in Audubon, where he presented the award to Nursing Home Administrator Dan Freed.

"It is extremely exciting to know that our staff is being recognized for the outstanding care that they provide to our residents," said Freed. "Their steadfast commitment to deliver exceptional, compassionate care to every single resident is what makes us a truly special community." 

Today's second visit was to the Pennsylvania Hospital Skilled Care Center, in Philadelphia, where Dr. Avila presented the award to Nursing Home Administrator Kathy Magnes.

"For years, Pennsylvania Hospital has taken great pride in maintaining a deficiency-free skilled nursing facility," said Magnes. "This achievement has been accomplished through the dedication and devoted care that the skilled care team members provide each and every day and we are honored to have our efforts recognized."

Four facilities earned awards this year. On July 9, Dr. Avila presented awards to The Schuylkill Center in Pottsville and Foulkeways at Gwynedd in Gwynedd.

Media contact: Christine Cronkright or Holli Senior, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

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