Hartford HealthCare's St. Vincent's Center Honored with Renowned Thompson Award for Healthcare Excellence

Hartford HealthCare's St. Vincent's Medical Center Receives the John D. Thompson Award

Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent's Medical Center has been recently recognized with the prestigious John D. Thompson Award by the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) for its exemplary performance in delivering healthcare improvements. The award ceremony took place during the CHA Annual Meeting held on June 17, 2025, at the Bristol Event Center in Bristol, Connecticut.

William M. Jennings, Senior Vice President of Hartford HealthCare and President of the Fairfield Region, expressed pride in the hospital's commitment to elevating patient care. The award highlights the hospital's initiative aimed at reducing in-hospital mortality rates for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), specifically focusing on high-risk groups such as those suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), and cardiogenic shock.

In seeking to optimize patient outcomes, St. Vincent's Medical Center employed a comprehensive, data-driven approach that involved coordination across multiple specialties and disciplines. By leveraging national registry data and integrating best practices, the healthcare team demonstrated a commitment to not just improving clinical outcomes but also ensuring the safety and equitable treatment of patients. Jennings noted that the tangible results of these efforts reflect the hospital's mission of enhancing quality healthcare delivery.

"This award represents our relentless pursuit of improvement," said Jeffrey A. Flaks, the President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. He emphasized that this achievement showcases the hospital's continuous challenge to outperform itself while ensuring access to world-class healthcare for the residents of Connecticut.

Patients with conditions like STEMI, OHCA, and cardiogenic shock are among those at the greatest risk during PCI procedures, with national mortality rates varying significantly. The Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Vincent's Medical Center recognized the complexity of these cases, necessitating a systematic, multidisciplinary strategy to improve outcomes. The initiative has successfully reduced complication rates associated with PCI, expedited treatment times, and improved inter-hospital cooperation.

Key improvements have been observed, including a higher percentage of STEMI patients receiving PCI within the critical 90-minute window from the first medical contact by EMS, as well as reduced times for EKG completion upon emergency room arrival. Furthermore, the initiative significantly decreased ''door-to-balloon'' times, a critical factor in emergency cardiac interventions.

The underpinning of this project is the establishment of multidisciplinary teams that enhance collective decision-making and standardize treatment approaches across St. Vincent's Medical Center. Three distinct councils were created, namely the Acute Coronary Syndrome Council, the High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Program, and the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Work Group, each focusing on collaboration and innovative strategies to improve patient care and survival rates.

Formal recognition was conferred to St. Vincent’s Medical Center not just as a symbol of excellence, but as an example of how data and clinical collaboration can save lives. Jennifer Jackson, the CEO of CHA, commended the team for their exceptional achievement, reiterating that their work exemplifies the transformation of data into practical improvements in healthcare.

Established in 1994, the John D. Thompson Award pays tribute to John D. Thompson's contributions in healthcare administration and quality. A professor at Yale with a significant focus on data in health policy, Dr. Thompson's legacy urges hospitals to utilize quantitative data to enhance patient care and operational protocols effectively.

For further information about the award and the initiatives at St. Vincent's Medical Center, a special recognition video can be viewed online.

As healthcare systems continue to evolve, achievements such as these at St. Vincent's Medical Center serve as a critical reminder of the importance of data-driven decision-making in transforming patient care and fostering healthy communities.