Photo submitted to Times Observer Warren General Hospital received an “Optimal Operations Award” from the Hospital and Healthsystems Association of Pennsylvania. Pictured at the HAP Leadership Summit in Harrisburg last month are (from left) State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, WGH Board Chairman Thad Turner, WGH CEO Rick Allen, and State Rep. Kathy Rapp.

Warren General Hospital is celebrating Hospital Week with an award for its operations.

The hospital is one of 12 recently recognized by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP).

The HAP Achievement Awards recognize hospitals and health systems that are “taking innovative approaches to strengthen the safety and quality of care, enhancing operations and patients’ experience, and partnering with their communities to address public health needs,” according to WGH Director of Marketing and Communications Mary Ridout.

Warren General was recognized for implementing a financial turnaround to preserve access to hospital care in a rural community.

“I am very proud of the board, management, and all 642 staff at Warren General Hospital and Warren Medical Group,” CEO Rick Allen said. “We have achieved much success since I arrived back in Warren in December 2014 culminating with this ‘optimal operations’ award. Our vision is clear – to be an independent, community-focused hospital delivering world-class healthcare through collaboration.”

“I am honored and humbled to be a part of this outstanding organization committed to providing the very best healthcare to the residents of Warren County and the surrounding region,” Allen said.

There were 82 entries for this year’s Achievement Awards. “Warren General Hospital competed against organizations of a similar size for the Optimal Operations Award, which celebrates hospitals’ and health systems’ innovation to improve operations and strengthen the care they provide for patients and the community,” Ridout said.

“Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems are dedicated to not just treating illnesses and injuries but being partners in improving the health of their patients and communities,” HAP President and CEO Andy Carter said. “These award-winning projects exemplify the extraordinary work of Pennsylvania’s hospital community to enhance Pennsylvanians’ health; advance health equity; and improve the quality, delivery, and safety of care.”