In a time where healthcare needs are constantly evolving, area hospitals seem to be doing something right. Recent patient survey results on satisfaction show Millinocket Regional Hospital ranked 3rd in the state and Penobscot Valley Hospital ranked 8th, and within New England, these organizations ranked 7th and 13th, respectively.

Data was compiled from over 50,000 surveys across New England by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) on measures from communication to the hospital environment. The hospitals randomly select adult patients following discharge to complete these surveys which serve as a useful tool for implementing improvements based upon patient suggestions. Results from the latest HCAHPS surveys show that our local hospitals are truly committed to providing the best patient experience possible.

“The staff at Millinocket Regional Hospital are serious about the delivery of patient care with compassion and dignity,” states MRH interim CEO, Jim Sexton. “Patient needs come first and our physicians excel in communicating effectively with patients and families. In addition, MRH places a high degree of emphasis on the professional growth and development of staff and physicians alike.”

Top ratings across the board help distinguish MRH above the rest, but especially impressive are satisfaction scores in communication with doctors and cleanliness.

At PVH, nurses like Kathy Parlee often go the extra mile utilizing personal skills to benefit their patients. Kathy is a licensed cosmetologist and will do hair and makeup for her patients, giving them some extra attention and care, while boosting their spirits.

Housekeeping staff like Sabrina Fogg also play an important role in patient care at PVH. Sabrina will enter patient rooms with courtesy and a smile, asking permission to clean their rooms, and taking time to help a patient search for an item or track down a special request.

“Our housekeeping team at PVH is fantastic, and we have a lot to show for it,” states PVH CEO Dave Shannon. “Time after time, our highest satisfaction scores are in the cleanliness of the facility. Our nursing staff and physicians have also been very successful at continuously improving communications with both patients and caregivers through programs like Teachbacks and TLC.”

MRH and PVH are both 25-bed, critical access hospitals serving the northern Maine area providing emergency care, laboratory services, imaging services, rehabilitation, primary care, surgical procedures and so much more. Staff at both facilities take pride in their work and demonstrate a tremendous devotion to quality patient care.

“Through a team effort of highly competent staff, we have created and maintained a reputation for excellent quality of care provided in a safe environment. Staff take pride in ‘giving their best’ to each patient. Staff genuinely care for all the people we serve,” adds Sexton.

The next time you have healthcare needs, look no further than the facilities right at back door. Rest assured that you’ll receive quality care from staff that are willing and able to serve you with compassion. Your neighbors, friends and family all give MRH and PVH extremely high marks, so take their word for it.