The 2012 Rocky Mountain Performance Excellence (RMPEx) award recipients were recognized at the Quest for Excellence conference in Loveland, Colo., on October 26, 2012. The event began with a keynote address from Rulon Stacey, president of University of Colorado Health, the new mega—health care system that has become Colorado’s largest employer with more than 15,000 employees. Dr. Stacey discussed the myriad changes in today’s health care delivery systems and how the newly formed University of Colorado Health is positioned to navigate the environment and “Engage for the New Age” in health care.
A panel discussion was moderated by Jan Mazotti, president and editor-in-chief of ICOSA. Panelists represented the three Colorado Baldrige recipients: OMI (now a division of CH2MHill), Monfort College of Business, and Poudre Valley Health System. They engaged the audience with a discussion of the Baldrige journey and what they experienced before, during and after their Baldrige Award.
There were seven 2012 RMPEx award recipients recognized at varying levels. Governor John Hickenlooper gave a videotaped message of congratulations in recognition of their achievement.
Four organizations were award recipients at the Foothills level that demonstrate systematic approaches in many areas of their business.
- Colorado Army National Guard
- Donor Alliance, the regional organ procurement organization providing the gift of life through organ transplantation
- Littleton Adventist Hospital
- Sky Ridge Medical Center
One organization was recognized at the Timberline level, RTD FasTracks Program, which demonstrates systematic approaches, effective deployment, learning and integration. The FasTracks Program is delivering the infrastructure for a multibillion-dollar comprehensive transit expansion plan.
Two organizations were top award winners at the Peak level, which is based upon the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the presidential award for performance excellence. Denver Health (DH) serves as Colorado’s primary “safety net” organization. DH has received numerous awards by providing “Level One Care for All.” Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) is a three-time recipient of the Peak Award, achieving this honor in 2004, 2008 and now in 2012. PVHS is part of University of Colorado Health, created earlier this year when PVHS and University of Colorado Hospital formed the UC Health system. Both Denver Health and PVHS have received national attention by creating new and better ways to deliver health care.
Rocky Mountain Performance Excellence relies on a small army of volunteers who spend hundreds of hours in service to their communities. They are members of elite examination teams who use the Baldrige criteria to provide assessment and feedback to organizations. This important work is led by volunteer team leaders who spend additional time and effort in coordinating the work of the team.
Congratulations to all involved in the RMPEx community. Your work is making a difference by helping leaders focus on what’s important, identify gaps in organizational process, and sustain improvement over time.