VNA among national leaders for patient satisfaction

 The Visiting Nursing Association of Western New is ranked among the top home health care agencies in the nation, according to recently released data from Press Ganey.

Press Ganey's January-July 2011 home health care report for the Visiting Nursing Association's Niagara County branch shows that 100 percent of patients would recommend the VNA to others needing home care services, with 90 percent of patients giving the agency the highest overall ratings. Those score put the organization above national benchmarks and into the top percentiles across the country. The VNA also scored well in quality of care of patients and communication with its patients.

"Our primary focus is quality of care for the patients we serve, and we measure and improve on it continuously," said Judy Baumgartner, the president of the Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York. "We are so proud of these most recent results. It proves that whether you need products and services for a newborn or an elderly patient, the VNA can meet all of your home care needs with quality of care that ranks tops in the nation."

The VNA's Niagara County branch is located on South Transit Road in Lockport. It has recorded more than 1 million patient visits during its 23 years serving Niagara County.

Press Ganey is the industry's recognized leader in health care performance improvement. It works with more than 10,000 health care organizations nationwide, including 50 percent of all U.S hospitals and home care agencies, to improve clinical and business outcomes.  The "Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Home Health Care" survey is used to measure patient perceptions of care provided by a clinician in the home.

Founded in 1885, the VNA of Western New York was the first visiting nursing organization in America. Since then, it has become one of the oldest charities in the nation, and remains the largest home health agency in the Western New York region.

The VNA provides services to residents in all eight Western New York counties, including Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Wyoming.

The VNA offers a full range of services, including pediatric and adult skilled nursing and therapies, chronic disease management, home infusion therapy, mental health care, obstetrical services, respiratory equipment and care, as well as personal response systems.

Key facts and figures about the VNA of Western New York

• More than 900 employees

• 100 percent patient satisfaction

• Average daily census (all services): 6,500 patients; annual home visits - 350,000

• Community immunization program providing 50,000 shots/season

• 95 percent referral source satisfaction