HopeWest received perfect results for the second consecutive time on an unannounced, onsite survey of hospice organizations conducted every three years by the Health Facilities Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
“We are thrilled to have received notice that no deficiencies were cited for our survey!” Terri Walter, Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President said. “It is not unusual for a hospice to receive deficiencies from a survey and this shows the tremendous effort on the part of all staff to provide excellent care in the framework of the necessary regulations. We feel that this level of quality in care really sets us apart from other hospices.”
CDPHE is the state survey agency that looks for compliance with Colorado licensure laws as well as compliance with Medicare conditions of participation for hospice organizations in Colorado.
The goal of the survey is to assure the hospice is following state and federal regulations – from administration organization to quality of patient care. The surveyors make visits to current patients, talk with family members and staff, review medical records, review policies and procedures and assess the hospice’s quality management program. If any deficiencies are cited by the surveyors, the hospice must prepare a “plan of correction” and a re-uation takes place in the near future. Results of the surveys become part of the public record maintained by CDPHE.
Since the inception of HopeWest in 1993, the organization has experienced significant growth and expansion, both programmatically and geographically. From approximately 200 families in the first year of service to more than 3,000 families currently, HopeWest continues to grow to serve the community’s needs.
HopeWest serves Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Ouray and Rio Blanco Counties, with the administrative headquarters located in Grand Junction, Colorado. The organization provides comprehensive hospice, palliative care and grief related services throughout Western Colorado through its five sites.
HopeWest is a community-based 501 ( c )( 3 ) organization, governed by a Board of Directors and founding President/CEO, Christy Whitney, RN, MSN.
HopeWest has become well-known for its innovations in end of life care directed at meeting the unique needs of rural areas of the state. The organization stretches to close the gaps in care when reimbursement is lacking, as well as develop new programs to serve the “un-served” and “underserved” throughout the Western Slope.