As one of the first hospitals in PA to receive the COVID-19 vaccine only a year ago, Titusville Area Hospital (TAH) staff have tirelessly administered over 9,000 vaccines. TAH has held many vaccine clinics in various locations. The hospital has also conducted the COVID-19 drive-thru testing site five days per week year-round. In 2021 TAH began the year fairly busy with COVID-19 testing, but by August testing began ramping up even more. TAH moved the drive-thru collection site to a newly purchased building to help with the increased volume of patient collections needed. Due to this overwhelming need, the lab went from only one instrument that ran four COVID-19 tests at a time, to having a three instrument platform that can run a total of 14 COVID-19 tests at once.
By November TAH was processing 300 to 400 COVID-19 tests per week and now in 2022, TAH is processing 500 per week. Through hard work and commitment, TAH has now tested 14,834 patients for COVID-19 and has identified 2,691 positive patients. When testing first started the turnaround time was anywhere from 3 to 10 days as all COVID-19 tests were sent to an outside lab. Now TAH is able to process COVID-19 PCR results in-house within 24hrs. The adaptability and dedication shown by the Lab Department and all the various departments at the hospital during the pandemic have been amazing. “During one of the most challenging times our organization has ever faced, we continue to see the very best in our medical staff and our employees, working collaboratively to ensure we continue to provide our patients the highest care possible. Many employees are working extra shifts, assuming new roles, and accepting new responsibilities to meet the ever-changing circumstances required to navigate the current surge of patient activity we are experiencing throughout the region,” stated Lee Clinton, CEO of TAH.
Titusville Are Hospital is as our logo says, more than a hospital. During this extraordinarily difficult time in healthcare, TAH has kept moving forward. The Emergency Department (ED) Renovation Project that has spanned over the last two years has been completed. The Rural Health Clinic Expansion has been completed as well. The ED Renovation added private rooms as well as additional patient safety and comfort features. The RHC renovation allowed for more exam rooms, offices, additional reception, and waiting areas. This renovation has made room for more specialty services. Gynecology Services, a Dental Clinic, and Behavioral Health services were among the added specialties. Both of these projects are beneficial to the patients we serve.
Replacing the CT scanner in the Imaging Department is yet another project TAH is working towards. The current CT scanner is 11 years old. Due to advances in technology, replacing this equipment is essential to offer patients the highest level of care. The TAH Foundation raised funds to purchase the new CT equipment, update software, and renovate the CT area to accommodate the new unit. To date, the foundation raised nearly half of the funds necessary for this important project. This project is expected to begin in February. The CT replacement will make a grand impact on the community we serve, as this is a service that is essential for state-of-the-art care.
TAH recently purchased two office buildings in Titusville. The building at 602 W. Central Ave, previously an OB/GYN office, will be used as a professional office building. The building is currently being used as the drive-thru COVID-19 testing site and in the coming weeks will be the site of a Vantage-owned retail durable medical equipment (DME) storefront. The other building purchased at 401 W. Spring Street is the new home of The Titusville Express Care. This location offers more parking, exam rooms, and office space for the Express Care. TAH is excited to utilize these buildings and offers services that are convenient and essential to the community.
Despite the pandemic, 2021 was a very rewarding year, TAH was awarded a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for overall quality of care. TAH was one of 455 five-star hospitals in the country and one of 22 five-star hospitals in Pennsylvania to be in the top ranking. CMS’ star rating system, launched in 2016, assigns stars based on 48 measures in the following five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. CMS last updated its star rating in January 2020. TAH is very proud to be ranked by CMS among the top 13% in the United States according to the star rating program. The ability to share safety and quality data publically is essential to ensure patients and families can make informed decisions about their healthcare. “TAH is committed to providing the highest level of patient care. Quality, safety, and satisfaction are a top priority. We continually review and update processes to ensure our team is able to provide exceptional care,” stated Lee Clinton, CEO of TAH.
TAH was also recognized by The American Hospital Association (AHA), as the first runner-up for the American Hospital Association Rural Hospital Leadership Award. This national award recognizes rural hospital leaders who guide their hospital and community through transformational change. These hospital leaders display outstanding leadership, and responsiveness to their community’s health needs and demonstrate a collaborative community process that has led to measurable outcomes.
As TAH continues into the New Year to face new challenges, new projects, and new unknowns- we thank you for your support and look forward to offering our community the very best healthcare in 2022. To learn more about TAH, visit our website at titusvillehospital.org or call 814-827-1851. Titusville Area Hospital, MORE than a hospital.
