SMH executive selected to serve on Governor's Award Board of Examiners

Susan Hapner, Saline Memorial Hospital executive director of quality and risk management, has completed the Governor's Quality Award (GQA) Program Examiner Training in Little Rock and has been selected to serve on the program's board of examiners.

The GQA Board of Examiners is comprised of leading Arkansas business, healthcare and education experts. Hapner, along with other board members, will conduct site visits and evaluations of companies and organizations participating in the 2008 GQA program. SMH was a GQA Challenge Award recipient in 2007.

The GQA program, which is based on the renowned Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, promotes, educates and recognizes Arkansas organizations committed to improving quality, productivity and financial effectiveness.

According to the Governor's Quality Award website, Board of Examiner applicants "must have knowledge and experience in process improvement techniques and a reputation for ethical conduct and integrity." They must also have a "broad knowledge of quality practices and improvement strategies, experience, communication skills, education and training."

"It's such an honor to have been selected to participate on the 2008 GQA Board of Examiners," said Hapner. "At SMH, we're continuously applying new processes to enhance our patient care. I look forward to working with other businesses committed to enhancing the quality of their services."

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas have partnered with the GQA on this outstanding program that provides opportunities for companies and organizations from all over the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence.

For more information about SMH quality initiatives, call 776-6764 or visit www.salinememorial.org.