Community Health Needs Assessment
In 2015, Windham Hospital continued its focus on the health needs of the communities we serve by increasing access to those who need care the most.
Our community health needs assessment completed in 2015 showed the top health needs of the community were in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, heart disease and stroke and diabetes. The good news: Windham Hospital already has begun addressing these issues by crafting programs and services to ensure our neighbors get the care they deserve and have the tools and access they need to stay healthy.
And, we’ve learned that these needs are even more acute in our aging population. That’s why the hospital has announced it will open the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging which will offer expanded services for senior citizens and help seniors and their families connect with programs and services to maintain health and wellness as they age.
Taking Care to the Community
In 2015, Windham Hospital’s community outreach team was out in full force offering free health screenings and education to people where they live and work with events in Willimantic, Mansfield and Hebron. During the Hebron Harvest Fair in September, 22 people received bone density exams, 57 had their blood pressure measured, and more than 100 fairgoers received educational material. The Windham outreach team also provided free screenings and education at employee health fairs in Mansfield and Eastern Connecticut State University.
Giving Patients a Voice in Care
Windham Hospital is building a partnership that recognizes the expertise of patients and their families as we look to improve the quality of care. The Windham Hospital Patient Family Advisory Council—composed of former patients and their families—works directly with hospital administration and clinical staff creating a formal mechanism to capture patient and family input and perspectives. This group meets monthly to design new family-friendly areas, edit patient information guides, and assists in the development of policies and programs for the hospital.
Top Notch First Response
Windham Hospital’s Paramedic Program celebrated 20 years of service in 2015. Since its inception, the program has more than doubled in size and provides advanced life-support to towns covering more than 300 square miles in Windham and Tolland counties. Windham’s program and LIFE STAR are the only hospital-based EMS services within Hartford HealthCare.
Women's Health
Because they traditionally make many of the family’s health care decisions, it’s important that women have healthcare access close to home so they are empowered to make the right choices for themselves and their loved ones. In 2015, Windham Hospital made major investments in its Birthing Center and its Center for Women’s Health to ensure that patients can continue to receive their OB-GYN care locally.