FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 29, 2007 – Washington Regional has announced it has received a $2million contribution from the Wal-Mart Foundation to support technology advancements and associated quality improvement initiatives into its new electronic medical records system. Linda Dillman, executive vice president of benefits, risk management and sustainability for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. made the announcement today at the hospital and presented a check to Bill Bradley, president and CEO of Washington Regional.
The medical center is nearing the completion of an $8 million clinical information system to support the development of an electronic medical record system. As a result, the hospital has become one of the first in the nation to feature real-time patient data streaming from a patient’s bedside and sounding an alert if a change in condition warrants a rapid response. Wal-Mart’s contribution supports these technology advancements to generate better information and enhanced data, and streamline processes that produce better patient outcomes.
“At Wal-Mart, we are committed to ensuring that our associates and all Americans receive high-quality, affordable, accessible and secure health care,” said Dillman. “It’s refreshing that we can support a program at the forefront of healthcare innovation right here in our home community of Northwest Arkansas.”
Washington Regional will continue its expansion of the digital electronic patient record into the summer of 2008 by adding Computerized Provider Order Entry that will allow all physician orders to be placed digitally on the computer, allowing patient care to begin as soon as possible.
“We exist for one reason – to meet the needs of our patients. To optimally meet those needs, we need accurate, timely, and clear clinical information and data,” said Bradley. “With this monumental gift, we can produce better patient outcomes and a healthier Northwest Arkansas.”
Last year, Wal-Mart gave more than $270 million to support is 4,000-plus U.S. based communities, including donations to support various health programs and initiatives. In recent years, the company has been recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest corporate cash contributor in America.
About Washington Regional
Washington Regional is here for you with a comprehensive healthcare network that includes the only not-for-profit, community owned and locally governed medical center in Northwest Arkansas. Washington Regional is committed to improving the health of people in communities we serve through compassionate, high quality care, prevention and wellness education.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at
www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit
www.walmartfacts.com,
www.walmartstores.com, or
www.walmartfoundation.org.