Surgery Scores Place TCMH in Top 15 Percent for Patient Satisfaction

Texas County Memorial Hospital’s outpatient ambulatory surgery patient satisfaction scores have increased by five percent over the past six months placing them in the 87^th percentile, board members heard at their monthly meeting.

April Crites, TCMH quality and risk management director, shared the uptick in scores, highlighting that TCMH surgery department’s 87^th percentile is among 2,335 hospitals in a seven-state region that utilizes Press Ganey patient satisfaction surveys. Crites noted that the achievement underscores TCMH’s commitment to enhancing patient experiences and maintaining high standards in surgical care.

Press Ganey, a healthcare performance improvement company, uses surveys and data analysis to gather information from patients about their experiences and their perception of quality of care. Surgery patients at TCMH receive their Press Ganey surveys post-surgery.  The Press Ganey data is utilized by TCMH to identify areas for improvements and to enhance overall outcomes. The focus on quality and safety ensures that TCMH is continually improving patient satisfaction.

Following the board meeting, Aaron Shuman, the surgery director, remarked that the recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire surgery team. He noted that all staff members, including surgeons, nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and surgical technicians, are focused on continuously improving our surgical program and achieving optimal patient outcomes.

“At TCMH, we prioritize building strong relationships with our patients, treating them like family,” Shuman said. “The personalized care our patients receive here is not typically found in larger healthcare systems, and we take pride in the surgical services we offer at TCMH.”

Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer, expressed pride in the surgical team’s commitment to quality. “Their dedication, compassion, and expertise show through their everyday efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients,” Bridges said. “Texas County’s residents can take pride in knowing that their community hospital is recognized for its care, quality, and safety.”

Helania Wulff, TCMH physician recruiter and community champion, provided an update on current recruiting efforts. A general surgery resident who will complete their training in 2026 recently visited the hospital.

“We are actively seeking candidates for internal medicine, family medicine with obstetrics, and another general surgeon,” Wulff said. “We are currently conducting screening interviews with potential candidates.”

Ms. Wulff discussed a recent community health questionnaire survey that was completed. The survey aimed to gather insights into the current health status and needs of the community.

“We received 97 survey responses and captured valuable feedback that will help us improve the population health in Texas County,” Wulff said. “We will share this information with Texas County community partners during an upcoming community priority action planning workshop in April.”

Wulff explained that the workshop will allow community partners to delve deeper into developing an action plan to address the strengths, needs, barriers, and challenges faced within Texas County. She said the shared goal is to create a healthier and happier community.

“The upcoming workshop will inspire open communication, strengthen trust, and uncover collaborative opportunities that will benefit us all,” Bridges said. “It is a privilege to partner with community members to elevate the health of Texas County.”

Linda Pamperien, TCMH chief financial officer, presented the February financials, which reflected an increase of $193,180 in overall revenues from budgeted monthly expectations.

“Our inpatient volumes increased $757,789, a 55.3 percent increase from our budgeted monthly expectations,” Pamperien said.

According to Pamperien, the hospital had 106 admissions in February, up five admissions from the same time frame in 2024, with 191 admissions year-to-date.

Additionally, monthly expenses were down $239,707 at TCMH, a 6.3 percent decrease.

The financial report reflected that the hospital’s profit/loss report showed a positive bottom line for February, with an increase of $146,142 and a year-to-date profit of $236,240. The earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization (EBIDA) for the respective month were positive at $404,265, and the year-to-date EBIDA was positive at $726,849.

“February was a short month, and considering the adverse weather conditions we experienced, we did not expect our revenue to increase for the month,” Pamperien said. “We are, however, very pleased with the financial results we achieved.”

In other news, Bridges reported that the former Loretto House, which was owned by the hospital behind the TCMH Hutcheson Pharmacy, has been demolished and removed.

Present at the meeting were Crites; Bridges; Wulff; Pamperien; Courtney Owens, chief nursing officer; Trica Benoist, MD, chief of staff; and board members Jim Perry, OD; Ross Richardson; Joleen Durham; Jennifer Hugenot; and Jerri Crump.

The next meeting of the TCMH board of trustees is Tuesday, April 22, at 12 p.m. in the hospital board room.