(Bryn Mawr, PA) — Main Line Health (MLH) has received System Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation’s highest award for recognizing excellence in nursing care, which has been awarded to only seven percent of hospitals and 22 health systems in the nation. Riddle Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and the Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice division have received initial designation, and Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital and Paoli Hospital have been designated for the third time. MLH is the only health system in the nation to bring on two initially designating entities and the HomeCare & Hospice division, along with three re-designating hospitals. With this designation, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital becomes the fourth acute rehabilitation facility in the country, and the only one on the East Coast, to receive Magnet recognition.
“This designation is a direct reflection of the superior care that we provide at Main Line Health,” says Barbara Wadsworth, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Main Line Health. “The journey of excellence at MLH is palpable. The energy, enthusiasm and hard work of our nursing staff are a true example of nursing excellence and the values emphasized in the Magnet program. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who worked diligently to ensure that our Magnet journey was a success.
The Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care and recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. MLH, which employs more than 3,000 nurses, began its System Magnet journey 14 years ago. The ANCC’s new submission guidelines, released in 2014, presented the opportunity for each MLH hospital to demonstrate a larger number of patient-centered outcomes to validate the nursing excellence of each hospital and the HomeCare & Hospice division.
“Magnet designation provides a benchmark for patients and their families to measure the superior quality of care they can expect at Main Line Health,” says Jack Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Main Line Health. “While Magnet is a standard for nursing excellence, providing a superior experience and exceptional patient care represent the core focus for every staff member throughout MLH. I am incredibly grateful to our entire nursing team and every MLH employee for continuously improving the health and wellness of our communities.”
According to the ANCC, Magnet facilities consistently outperform non-Magnet organizations, deliver better patient outcomes, spend more time at the patients’ bedsides, and have shorter lengths of patient stay. Achieving Magnet status benefits patients, nurses and health care organizations by attracting and retaining top talent, improving patient care, safety and satisfaction, fostering a collaborative culture, advancing nursing standards and practice, and growing business and financial success. The Magnet designation lasts for four years, after which MLH will have to reapply to retain its Magnet status.
