12/28/16  Portland, Ore.

 Tillamook Regional Medical Center Receives National Recognition

Tillamook, December 22, 2016: Tillamook Regional Medical Center recently received national recognition for demonstrating innovation in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Tillamook Regional Medical Center is committed to keeping pace with health care transformation, which is key to sustaining access to health services for the community. The National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center) recognized this hospital for their innovation in utilizing telehealth technology by paramedics could use to decrease hospital readmissions and improve community health in their small rural community.  

The Critical Access Hospital Recognition certificate was established by The Center and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) to recognize the excellent work in critical access hospitals (CAHs) and other rural safety net providers throughout the country. The recognition promotes excellence and innovation and honors the achievements and results of rural safety net providers while publicizing successful strategies. 

During this round of nominations, four CAHs were chosen for recognition. "The number of CAHs nominated by their state Flex Programs is impressive," stated Sally Buck, Chief Executive Officer at The Center. "It is wonderful to hear of successful models that embrace EMS innovation in their rural communities with providers beyond the hospital, clinic or health center. EMS innovations benefit the patient and the overall community and will reduce the cost of health care."

The Oregon Office of Rural Health nominated Tillamook Regional Medical Center (TRMC) for this national recognition in response to the innovation TRMC demonstrated under the activities of the State Innovation Model (SIM) Grant. "TRMC's paramedics cover 1,100 square miles and respond to nearly 4,000 calls for service each year from four ambulance stations strategically located throughout Tillamook County. Their focus is to reduce hospital readmissions related to gaps in a care between the hospital and primary care or specialty management. Since implementation in October of 2015, TRMC continues to gain momentum and learn valuable lessons during this process. TRMC has created an innovative Community Paramedic program in their county that will ultimately help hundreds of patients that would likely have not sought follow-up medical care until they were very ill, resulting in readmission to the hospital." says Stacie Rothwell, Program Manager with The Oregon Office of Rural Health.