Gothenburg Health
Gothenburg, Neb. - Gothenburg Health, a rural critical access hospital known for its dedication to quality healthcare and innovation, has been awarded the 2024 Quest for Excellence Award by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA). This honor recognizes Gothenburg Health’s commitment to healthcare quality, performance, and patient safety, with a strong focus on population health and diabetic care.
The hospital’s mission— “We exist to be healthcare leaders with unparalleled passion, helping people to live their best lives because we care, and we can”—underscores its dedication to patient-centered care. Gothenburg Health’s diabetes initiatives address the high rates of obesity and inactivity in Dawson County, where 43% of residents were obese, 30% were inactive, and 10% were living with diabetes, according to Dawson County data from 2022.
Gothenburg Health launched a chronic care management program to address diabetes education and improve resource access, identifying these as top needs in the community. Key metrics tracked in the program include patients’ weight, blood sugar levels, A1C, medication adherence, and the completion of annual foot and eye exams. The hospital also monitors emergency room visits, clinic visits, and admissions to gauge impact.
Alisa Crown, Director of Population Health, said the program’s success is rooted in team collaboration and targeted efforts. “Partnering with NHA and being recognized shows that we’re truly improving care,” Crown said. “It’s exciting to see the improvements. We focused on chronic care and diabetes since 2022, from raising awareness to lowering A1C levels and reducing ER visits.” She emphasized the value of a team-based approach: “A team effort truly makes a difference. Doctors alone can’t do it all—having specialists and a supportive team is a win for patients.”
Patient engagement is central to Gothenburg Health’s approach, with monthly check-ins and educational support to help patients manage diabetes effectively. Financial assistance and a YMCA six-month membership is available to program participants. “One of the biggest rewards has been medication adherence,” Shay Holbrook, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, said. Currently, 50 prescriptions are free or reduced for 27 patients, and A1C levels among those receiving assistance dropped by 11% from 2022 to 2023.
Holbrook highlighted the personalized care available to patients. “We meet with patients in person initially, then provide monthly check-ins, especially if there are medication changes,” she said. “The smallest support can make a difference.” Holbrook also assists with diabetes education and financial aid applications to secure necessary medications. “Seeing patients receive the medications they need and knowing the support is appreciated makes the work rewarding,” she added.
The program has led to a 7.6% reduction in acute admissions and emergency visits among diabetic patients and a 3% increase in clinic visits from 2022 to 2023. What started as a pilot program for 12 patients expanded to 73 participants by the end of 2023 and now serves 106 patients in 2024.
In its award application, Gothenburg Health emphasized the value of data-driven targeting and collaborative efforts with healthcare providers to address patient needs effectively. “Our experience shows the importance of combining technical knowledge with compassionate care. By prioritizing both emotional and educational needs, we’ve laid a foundation for sustainable, replicable initiatives,” the hospital stated.
The Quest for Excellence Award, established in 2004 by the NHA and other partners, annually honors two hospitals and one rural health clinic in Nebraska for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. Gothenburg Health’s achievement underscores its role in promoting healthier communities across Nebraska.
For more information about the Chronic Care program, call 308-537-1009.
ABOUT GOTHENBURG HEALTH
Gothenburg Health is a premier critical access hospital, and rural health clinic focused on serving the community of Gothenburg and surrounding areas with modern facilities and highly skilled employees. Gothenburg Health completed a 31 million-dollar renovation and expansion in 2018, which includes a state-of-the-art surgical suite, brand-new patient wing, prominent main entry, clinical expansion, advanced imaging suite with in-house MRI, and finally, a medically integrated YMCA. We are proud to not only offer the basics but to provide a wide variety of progressive services that have grown with the needs of our community. Gothenburg Health is dedicated to its mission of being healthcare leaders with unparalleled passion, helping people to live their best lives because we care and we can.