[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING SEBASTICOOK VALLEY HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 5, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield, Maine.
  Founded in 1963, the Sebasticook Valley Hospital was started by local 
citizens who were concerned about the health and well-being of their 
families, neighbors and employees of the region. The hospital continues 
to honor that legacy and commitment by being accountable at all levels 
of the organization in meeting the changing health care needs of the 
local communities. Sebasticook Valley continues to strive for 
improvement in services and to ensure that their patients receive the 
best possible service for their health care needs.
  Sebasticook Valley Hospital has been recently recognized as one of 
the nation's top rural hospitals by the Washington, DC-based Leapfrog 
Group. The Leapfrog Survey, which launched in 2001, focuses on four 
critical areas of patient safety: the use of computer physician order 
entry to prevent medication errors, standards for doing high-risk 
procedures, protocols and policies to reduce medical errors and other 
safe practices recommended by the National Quality Forum and adequate 
nurse and physician staffing. In addition, hospitals are measured on 
their progress in preventing infections and other hospital-acquired 
conditions and adopting policies on the handling of serious medical 
errors, among other things.
  Sebasticook Valley Hospital has displayed a tremendous commitment to 
providing the best quality health care for their patients. I am proud 
to congratulate the employees, providers, board members and volunteers 
for their dedication to providing the best care to our rural 
communities. Their skills, compassion and dedication make this hospital 
a well-deserved award recipient.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sebasticook Valley 
Hospital for their devotion to ensuring that patients and families 
receive the best possible health care.

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