Women in Health Care Honored by Denver Business Journal

CEO of The Denver Hospice Wins “Outstanding Women in Business” Award

Last month, the Denver Business Journal presented its 13th annual “Outstanding Women in Business” awards. Women were honored for their business accomplishments and exceptional leadership in eleven different categories, including health care.

Bev Sloan, CEO of The Denver Hospice, took home top honors for her great contributions to the advancement of health care. Sloan was recognized for implementing initiatives and programs that impact patients in immediate and meaningful ways. Through her leadership, The Denver Hospice now cares for 800 to 900 patients a day in eight different counties, up from approximately 180 patients in 1999 when Sloan first took over as CEO.

She also helped organize the launch of a $15 million capital campaign to build a new 24-room facility, The Denver Hospice Care Center at Lowry. The facility houses state-of-the-art technology, including a GPS system, where nurses are tracked via their badges so that they can be immediately called in an emergency.

Sloan defines what it means to be a leader in today’s rapidly changing health care industry and believes that health information technology is an integral part of The Denver Hospice’s plan to achieve effective and efficient patient care.

“In order to improve communication and enhance care delivery, Denver Hospice implemented an electronic health record (EHR) system,” Sloan explained. “Hospice patients are often in a state of distress or crisis, and EHRs provide real-time patient-centric information allowing our clinicians to respond quickly and provide the appropriate care.”

The Denver Hospice is also considering joining CORHIO’s health information exchange, which would allow them to receive referrals and access important patient information, including lab test and pathology results, x-ray, MRI and other imaging reports, and physician transcription reports.

As a 35-year veteran in the industry, Sloan encourages woman who want to become leaders in the health care field to “find a balance between your career and your family. As women, we often have a lot to juggle. Remember to stay true to yourself and your values. And never stop learning.“

Additional notable “Outstanding Women in Business” award finalists, include Amy Casseri, chief strategy officer of Children’s Hospital Colorado, Laura Mildenberger, chief people officer (head of human resources) of DaVita, and Vicki Cowart of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. CORHIO Executive Director, Phyllis Albrittron, was one of 160 women that were nominated for the award.