MEEKER I HopeWest recently had an unannounced, onsite survey that takes place every five to seven years for hospice organizations in Colorado. HopeWest, which has a branch in Meeker, received perfect results.
The Health Facilities Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is the state survey agency that looks for compliance with Colorado licensing 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-evaluation takes place in the near future. Results of the surveys become part of the public record maintained by CDPHE.
“We are very excited 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.”
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 over 3,000 families currently, HopeWest continues to grow to serve the community’s needs.
HopeWest is a community-based 501-3c non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors and founding President/CEO Christy Whitney, RN, MSN.
HopeWest serves Mesa, Montrose, Delta and Ouray counties, with the administrative headquarters located in Grand Junction.
HopeWest has expanded into Rio Blanco County, serving the Meeker area and Garfield County, serving the Parachute and Battlement Mesa areas.
HopeWest created HopeWest Meeker through a partnership with Pioneers Medical Center.
HopeWest Meeker is governed by a local advisory board under the guidance of the HopeWest board of directors. The organization is made up of more than 30 volunteers with leadership from the board and paid clinical staff, under the supervision of program director Solveig Olson to serve patients and families in their time of need.
“We are excited to be expanding our organization providing transformational care to communities across Western Colorado,” Whitney said. “We knew there was a need in Meeker and wanted to do all that we could to help the people of that area.”
The organization provides comprehensive hospice, palliative care and grief-related services throughout Western Colorado through its five sites.
HopeWest is a community-based 501-3c non-profit 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 “unserved” and “under-served” throughout the Western Slope.
To get more information about HopeWest and their services call 970-241-2212 or visit www.HopeWestCO.org.
“We are excited to be expanding our organization providing transformational care to communities across Western Colorado,” Whitney said. “We knew there was a need in Meeker and wanted to do all that we could to help the people of that area.”
