[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 190 (Monday, December 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION FOR HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEMS

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to 
recognize the achievements of the Henry Ford Health System which, under 
the strong and dynamic leadership of its CEO, Nancy Schlichting, has 
earned a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This award 
recognizes and encourages benchmark business practices; once reserved 
only for manufacturing and similar businesses, the Baldrige Award has 
been expanded to include health care organizations. As a recipient of 
the Baldrige award, Henry Ford Health System continues to serve as a 
role model for other companies across the country. The award puts a 
spotlight on the amazing work being done at the Henry Ford Health 
System to deliver top quality health care to its patients.
  Henry Ford Health System has established itself as one of the 
Nation's premier health care providers. Henry Ford Health System uses 
innovative strategies and solutions which have been developed and 
implemented for the past decade, helping reduce unintended patient harm 
and establishing a ``zero-defect, no-excuses'' approach to health care 
outcomes. Over the years, the Henry Ford Health System has developed a 
reputation for delivering the best possible outcomes for patients. 
Because of this dedication to putting patients first, it is one of just 
4 organizations around the Nation to receive this award and the only 
one in Michigan.
  With approximately $5.8 billion in economic impact through payroll, 
operating expense and capital expenditures, Henry Ford Health System is 
not only an effective health care entity, but a major contributor to 
Michigan's economy. As a top 5 employer in Southeast Michigan, the 
Henry Ford Health System boasts an impressive 24,000 employees and is 
responsible for 37,500 additional jobs through direct and indirect 
employment at 7 hospitals and 33 ambulatory care sites. With more than 
2,000 physicians system wide, it is also one of the Nation's largest 
non-university research programs.
  Earning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is no easy feat, 
with many companies each year following the Baldrige criteria as a 
model for proper organization and action. Henry Ford Health Systems now 
joins the ranks of companies such as Boeing Aerospace Support, 
Cadillac, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as innovators in their 
respective fields.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Henry Ford Health System 
and the 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award that it has 
earned. The Henry Ford Health System's achievements serve as a beacon 
to other businesses countrywide.

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