Attains First Of Three Levels in the Multi-Year National Quality Award Program

(NORFOLK, Va.) – Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital (LTTCH) has embarked on a multi-year commitment to quality care through the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

For 2015, Lake Taylor enrolled in the National Quality Award Program and was recently awarded the first of three distinctions possible – the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. The three-tiered program recognizes centers nationwide that demonstrate commitment to improving quality care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

"To be recognized by AHCA/NCAL with our first National Quality Award is truly a great honor," said Thomas Orsini, president and CEO of Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. "Bettering the lives of our residents and their families is our mission. This achievement represents our first step in a years-long process to gain recognition for our commitment to presenting a welcoming, quality healthcare environment."

LTTCH becomes the fifth Norfolk hospital facility to receive the Bronze level recognition and was one of six facilities entering the program in the Commonwealth this year. At this introductory level, LTTCH may now move forward in developing approaches and achieving performance levels that meet the criteria required for the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award.

Since 1996, the National Quality Award Program has centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldridge Performance Excellence Program and assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.
The National Quality Award program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Centers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision and mission statements and an assessment of customers’ expectations. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system.

"Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing quality care and I commend them for that," said Christine Boldt, chair of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. "I encourage the personnel at Lake Taylor to continue their quality journey by striving for the Silver and Gold levels."