September: SMH Listed Among ‘Most Wired’ Hospitals

Sarasota Memorial not only received awards for its quality and safety in 2021, it also was recognized for its exceptional information technology, earning a spot on the list of the world’s “Most Wired” hospitals.

SMH ranked in the 98th percentile of health care facilities in the annual College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Digital Health “Most Wired” program for advancing a broad range of digital health technologies promoting better and more secure patient interactions and care.

More than 36,500 acute, ambulatory, long-term care and international acute-care facilities were represented in the 2021 CHIME survey. Of 2,286 acute-care facilities participating nationwide, Sarasota Memorial was among the five Florida hospitals and fewer than 100 to achieve the highest certification (Level 9 & 10).

“The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.”

This is the third year that CHIME has conducted the survey and the third time that SMH has received top honors. SMH Chief Information Officer Pam Ramhofer credits the ongoing support of the publicly elected Sarasota County Public Hospital Board and leadership team for investing in new technology and empowering staff to adapt and innovate.

“Our team is continually looking for ways to leverage technology to improve patient care, communication and connectivity,” Pam said.

Some of the advanced technologies SMH has used to achieve these outcomes include telehealth programs, access to data at the point of care, and digital tools to engage patients and their families throughout the care process.