In recognition of their dedication to continuous improvement and their commitment to providing high-quality care, the Louisiana Rural Health Association is honored to recognize Jackson Parish Hospital as the 2023 Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year Award Recipient.
In nominating the JPH for this award, Patty Harper with InQuiseek Consulting stated, “It is not often as a consultant that I get to witness such a dramatic organizational transformation as I have been privileged to observe in Jackson Parish…Today the organization is thriving, optimizing technology and providing quality care.”
Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) has served the residents of Jackson Parish since 1962. This Critical Access Hospital (CAH), recognized as a Hospital Service District, is the only hospital in Jackson Parish and provides inpatient, full-service lab, radiology, speech, rehab, physical and occupational therapy, and emergency department services, as well as gastroenterology and oncology services through contract. The hospital also owns three provider-based rural health clinics (RHCs).
The hospital now has a 5-Star HCAHPS rating and has had zero percent hospital-acquired infections since 2019 as they continue to provide quality and compassionate care to their patients.
In 2017, after many years of ups and downs, JPH was facing financial trouble and a damaged reputation. That year, the Hospital Board made a decision that dramatically changed the course of the hospital by bringing in Chief Executive Officer, John Morgan, MBA, RN.
Through his astute leadership the new era of Jackson Parish Hospital began with the development of a strong, qualified, and skilled executive team of clinical, financial, and information technology professionals. Refusing to take sole credit for the incredible transformation, Morgan adamantly states that it has been a team effort and gives all glory to God for his blessings in helping make his visions for the hospital come to fruition.
“God continues to bless us at JPH. We have great people working here and a highly supportive Board of Directors,” said Morgan.
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer, Dr. Jason Thomas, PhD, is responsible for revolutionizing the hospital with state-of-the-art technology in clinical settings, financial operations, and the patient care experience.
Chief Financial Officer, Bill Stansbury, is the executive team member responsible for re-engineering the hospital’s accounting and financial reporting system that put the hospital in a solid financial position, allowing for continued growth, expansion, and modernization.
Shelley Malsam, RHIT, provides the hospital’s revenue cycle direction, prioritizing the clean-up and updating of the hospital’s Charge Description Master (CDM) and patient accounting systems to optimize revenue.
Sunni Bouges is the Chief Nursing Officer. It is through her direction and organization that the quality of patient care and clinical workflows has become second to none and remains as a top priority.
Dr. Ed Mariano, MD successfully leads a team-based medical staff that has been enriched through the addition of regionally recognized health care professionals in the Emergency Department, Hospitalist Program, and Rural Health Clinics.
Chef John Mayer is the Director of Food Services. Through his guidance and creativity, food costs have decreased while satisfaction has seen a marked improvement as both patients and staff rave about the quality, taste, and selection being offered.
In early 2019, the hospital undertook a renovation project to fully renovate the space and enlarge the patient rooms. The renovations included incorporating new features into patient rooms to improve patient experience, such as new showers and televisions, as well as new technology, such as full telemetry and telemedicine
equipment, to increase clinical capabilities. Plans are to also update the Emergency Room and Endoscopy suite area in the near future.
