2009 — A Year in Review

2009 Highlights

• Received advanced stroke certification for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital from The Joint Commission, making it the only such certified center on the coast between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

• Added digital mammography and stereotactic biopsy services at the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Breast Care Center, a first for the Goleta community.

•  Introduced a new security system at each of our hospitals to improve patient and staff safety, requiring all visitors to identify themselves and their purpose and receive temporary name badges.

•  Responded to the Jesusita Fire, meeting staff and community needs where possible, and fully activating our disaster response system.

•  Received a Center of Distinction Award for GVCH's Center for Wound Management and a Hospital Hero award from the National Health Foundation for its manager, Susan San Marco.

•  Continued to make significant progress on hospital construction and seismic safety work at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital and SBCH.

•  Built a new parking lot across from the current GVCH and began foundation work for a brand-new hospital designed to meet new earthquake safety standards.

•  Prepared for and responded to the challenge of H1N1 influenza, including the vaccination of employees, physicians, volunteers, and students to be ready to care for hospitalized and emergency department patients.

•  Underwent nine successful accreditation and licensing surveys at our hospitals, ultimately validating the high quality of care we provide.

•  Earned the American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Platinum Award for our efforts and commitment to employee wellness, the second time we've been recognized in this arena.