You At Your Best

Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Northwest Health touched more than 531,000 lives over the past year, positively impacting the well-being of Northwest Arkansas and fulfilling its commitment to serve the healthcare needs of the area. In 2017, the hospital network had more than 395,000 outpatient and clinic visits, more than 90,000 ER visits, admitted more than 16,000 patients, performed more than 28,000 surgeries and delivered more than 2,900 babies. "Northwest Arkansas can count on Northwest Health for the healthcare services they need," said Denten Park, market chief executive officer of Northwest Health. "Our top priority is to provide every patient with quality, personalized care." These high standards have been recognized by national accrediting bodies and respected agencies, including The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, American College of Cardiology, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, and Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. Additionally, patients can access more specialty services close to home than ever before through Northwest Health's membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Northwest Health doctors can consult directly with Mayo specialists on their patients' behalf whenever they feel it will benefit their care at no additional cost to the patient. Northwest Health doctors can combine their understanding of their patients' unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that patients get exactly the care they need. Patients experience the confidence of being able to access world- leading medical expertise through their trusted local doctor. To support and enhance services, Northwest Health has continued adding equipment to support the delivery of new service lines and surgical services. Northwest Health invested $3.7 million to expand the behavioral health unit, adding 18 adult behavioral health beds for acute care to the existing 29 beds. Sixty- one new physicians and mid-level providers have come to the community over the past year, including interventional and non-invasive cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, family practice and plastic surgery. Currently there are 540 providers on the system's medical staff. As Northwest Health continuously evaluates how to best respond to patient needs, it also gives back to Northwest Arkansas. In the last year, Northwest Health provided more than $51.4 million in charity and uncompensated care to the area's most in need residents. The hospital also leaves a sizable footprint of $6.3 million in property and sales taxes, which in turn fund civic resources and services. Northwest Health also enjoyed working with a number of local non-profit and community organizations over the last year, including American Heart Association, March of Dimes, University of Arkansas Razorbacks, Jackson L. Graves Foundation, and the local chambers of commerce. Additionally, Northwest Health has provided community health screenings, and has active volunteer, Senior Circle and Healthy Community programs. "All of this is possible through the skills and dedication of our employees, medical staff and volunteers," said Park. "We thank them for their unwavering commitment which gives us a strong foundation for continued success." Northwest Health's commitment to Northwest Arkansas continues 4 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - mEn'S HEAlTH | SATURdAY, JUlY 28, 2018

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