Sidney Health Center is proud to announce it has been honored with the 2024 Yellowstone Quality Award by Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, RRG. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Meeting and Risk Management Conference held June 9–11 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The Yellowstone Quality Award recognizes healthcare organizations that go above and beyond in advancing patient safety and delivering high-quality care in their communities. Sidney Health Center was selected for this prestigious award in recognition of its sustained success in preventing hypoglycemia events among hospitalized patients—a significant milestone in improving outcomes for those with diabetes.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which reflects our unwavering commitment to patient safety,” said Jennifer Doty, CEO of Sidney Health Center. “Preventing hypoglycemia in our inpatient units is the result of a focused team effort to enhance protocols, implement preventive measures, and deliver consistent, high-quality care.”

Sidney Health Center reported zero hypoglycemic events in 2024—a noteworthy achievement given the risks associated with low blood sugar in hospitalized patients. Hypoglycemia, defined as a blood sugar level below 50 after receiving insulin, can lead to serious complications such as confusion, hallucinations, and even coma.

To address this risk, Sidney Health Center implemented the following quality improvement strategies:

• Automatic bedtime snack orders for diabetic patients to reduce overnight hypoglycemia.
• Expanded access to healthy snacks in the Med/Surg unit for timely interventions.
• Hard-wired consistency among staff in enabling these preventive practices.
  

These changes have significantly reduced the risk of early-morning hypoglycemia, showcasing the organization’s proactive approach and collaborative spirit.
As part of the recognition, Sidney Health Center received a plaque and a $300 award to be used toward future risk management education. The award presentation and recognition program were recorded and shared with CEOs and risk managers across Yellowstone’s membership.

Sixteen hospitals participated in the 2024 recognition program. Winners were selected based on program content, meaningfulness, data collection, impact on patient care, and claims experience. Sidney Health Center placed among the top six, earning one of three Yellowstone Quality Awards.

This recognition is a testament to the ongoing dedication of Sidney Health Center’s staff in delivering safe, patient-centered care every day.