Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Spring 2019

6 | THE SAMARITAN Theresa Sullivan, CEO, Named State of Washington’s 2018 Grassroots Champion Good things keep happening at Samaritan Healthcare—from improvements and updates to our facilities, the addition of new, highly qualified physicians and providers, updated equipment, and much more. Recently, our own CEO, Theresa Sullivan, was awarded the “Grassroots Champion Award,” by the American Hospital Association (AHA). The award was given for Sullivan’s efforts in educating elected officials on the importance of Samaritan Healthcare’s role in the community. According to AHA, other criteria for the honor include “doing an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital” and being a “tireless advocate for hospitals and their patients.” A leader from a hospital in each of the 50 states was selected to receive the annual award. Sullivan has been Samaritan Healthcare’s CEO since 2015 and, under her leadership, Samaritan Healthcare has brought orthopaedics, podiatry, OB/GYN (including a certified midwife), pediatrics, a remodeled Emergency Department, and expanded family medicine to the communities of the region. “We are committed to developing healthy communities,” said Sullivan. “The credit for this award is shared among everyone who contributes to Samaritan Healthcare every day—from the leadership of our dedicated board, to our physicians and providers, nurses, and the entire staff. We all believe rural communities should have equal access to healthcare with an exceptional patient experience.” Over the past three years, Samaritan has recruited 16 physicians and providers. Looking to 2019, Samaritan has an additional seven physicians and providers ready to begin practice in Moses Lake. Samaritan Clinic was recently remodeled to be more open and welcoming, as well as providing enhanced patient privacy in the check-in area, which had been expanded due to the growth in family medicine. Samaritan also earned a Level 3 Trauma Service designation, plus accreditation from DNV-GL Healthcare, which measures improvements in quality and patient safety, managing infection risk, management certification, and training across the entire organization. “It’s vitally important to grow the medical services available, which allows our patients to receive state-of-the-art healthcare close to home,” said Sullivan. Sullivan’s accomplishment encourages us all to live out Samaritan’s mission: “All of us, for each of you, every time.”