CONCORD, NH – At their Annual Meeting recently held during October 16 – 18, 2022, the New Hampshire Hospital Association (NHHA) and Foundation for Healthy Communities (FHC) honored health care leaders, executives, and partners from across the state who have made significant contributions to their hospital or the healthcare field. The organizations presented a total of seven awards that recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations in the areas of patient safety and quality of care, innovation, and leadership, especially given the challenges facing hospitals and health systems due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has tested the resiliency of our hospitals and health systems during this public health crisis, yet they have demonstrated that they are in fact the epitome of strength and resiliency as they continue to respond to the pandemic,” stated Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association. “It is our privilege to recognize the ongoing efforts and leadership of individuals, hospitals, and health systems across the state as they support their patients, staff and communities.”
Below is a list of the recipients for the 2022 NHHA & FHC Awards of Excellence:
Paula Minnehan, Senior Vice President, State Government Relations at the New Hampshire Hospital Association, was recognized with the Leslie A. Smith President’s Award, bestowed upon an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the New Hampshire Hospital Association, and in recognition of their dedicated service to the affairs, management and growth of the Association and its affiliates. Minnehan was recognized for her dedication and commitment to advancing the advocacy agenda for member hospitals during what was one of the most challenging political environments the Association has ever faced during this past legislative session. As principal lobbyist, Minnehan plays a major role in helping to advance the agenda for hospitals as well as the Association and is a driving force behind a significant amount of legislation that directly impacts hospitals and health systems throughout the state.
Lawrence Dacey, MD of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, was the recipient of the Medical Staff Award for outstanding service to his hospital and community, an honor bestowed upon a medical staff member whose professional performance has strengthened the cooperation between the hospital and the medical staff and who brings credit to the institution and the community. Revered by his colleagues as well as his patients for his dedication to delivering compassionate, quality patient care, Dr. Dacey was nominated for his leadership, commitment and excellence in care to his patients.
St. Joseph Hospital, a member of Covenant Health, was recognized with the Honoring Excellence in Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Award which honors a team of healthcare professionals who demonstrate a continued commitment to providing quality care to their patients, leading the charge for quality improvement, promoting transparency to improve healthcare, and achieving better outcomes through the implementation of a strong culture of safety. St. Joseph Hospital was recognized for its efforts on their Get in the Zone Project aimed at reducing readmissions for its congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient populations. They were able to reduce their readmissions rate by more than half to just 9% through a Stop Light Tool that educated patients on successfully managing their chronic diseases through risk assessments.
Recognized with the Clint Jones Nursing Award was Isaac Sweet, RN, of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center’s Cardiac Care Unit for demonstrating significant growth within both his nursing skills and leadership role at the hospital, exemplifying the attributes of leadership in collaborative practice and nursing excellence at its best, and continuing to make significant improvements in the delivery of care for the hospital and its patients.
About New Hampshire Hospital Association
Hospitals have been collaborating through the New Hampshire Hospital Association since 1934. The Association’s mission is to lead through advocacy, education, and information in support of its member hospitals and health systems as they strive to improve the health of the patients and communities they serve.
About the Foundation for Healthy Communities
The Foundation for Healthy Communities (FHC) is a non-profit organization that builds healthier communities for all by leading partnerships, fostering collaboration, and creating innovative solutions to advance health and health care.
