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WHEREAS, on December 7, 2006, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital became the first and only hospital in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania to achieve Magnet recognition status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation's largest and foremost nursing credentialing organization; and,
WHEREAS, the Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations all over the world that are dedicated to and demonstrate excellence in nursing. Since the first organization was recognized in 1994, just 4 percent of the more than 5,000 healthcare facilities in the United States have achieved Magnet recognition status; and
WHEREAS, considered the "gold medal" for excellence in nursing, Magnet status is the highest level of recognition to healthcare organizations. It provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of care that they can expect to receive; and,
WHEREAS, in order to achieve this outstanding recognition, West Penn Hospital nurses led a Hospital-wide 3-year program to prepare more than 3,500 pages of documentation validating excellence at West Penn and to prepare for a 3-day on-site survey by ANCC Magnet Recognition Program appraisers. The efforts of all employees, physicians, students, and volunteers at West Penn and participation by the community were crucial to attaining Magnet recognition status. Among the documented qualities of hospitals that achieve Magnet recognition status are: provision of the highest quality of care; demonstrated excellence in nursing services; adherence to national standards for improving the quality of patient care services; understanding and respecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of patients, their significant others, and healthcare providers; and maintenance of a strong community presence.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby extend heartiest congratulations to The Western Pennsylvania Hospital on its achievement as the first hospital in Pittsburgh to attain Magnet recognition status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.