Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of DC, led the facility to a 2022 Silver National Quality Award and is progressing towards the prestigious Gold Quality Award. Renowned for exceptional skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care services in Washington, D.C., the center thrives under her expert guidance and commitment to continuous improvement. Tina highlights the importance of their quality journey in fostering excellence, teamwork, and operational advancement, thereby building trust within the community.
Q: What started the Quality Award journey for your center?
A: Our team has always been driven by a passion for excellence and innovation. Embarking on this quality journey was a natural progression for us, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based pathways to excellence.
Q: What does receiving the National Quality Award mean to you and your team?
A: It's a testament to our capability to demonstrate evidence-based cycles of learning and excellence. This recognition allows us to take pride in our work, knowing it meets and often exceeds both local and national standards of practice.
Q: What advice would you give to a provider considering applying for an award but feeling uncertain?
A: Absolutely go for it! Break the process down into manageable parts. Remember, achieving higher levels in the quality award ladder is a team effort. Give yourself and your team ample time to do the necessary work.
Q: Do you plan to continue the journey and apply for the next level award? If so, why?
A: Yes, pursuing the Gold Award is next on our agenda. It aligns with our organizational growth mindset, pushing us to continuously improve and achieve better outcomes.
Q: How are you leveraging your status as a Silver recipient and your overall Quality Award journey to negotiate better rates through your risk manager?
A:We use our Silver recipient status as a leverage point by informing our insurance brokers about the high standards of quality, innovation, and risk management we maintain. This information is crucial as they negotiate on our behalf to secure competitive insurance rates for our organization.
Q: Do you see your participation in the Quality Award journey as a strategic advantage for your organization?
A: Definitely. It allows us to communicate to our customers that we are deeply committed to quality care. For many families, knowing that a facility has been recognized for its quality is a crucial factor in their decision-making process.