HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center delivers on quality promise

Houston, TX – Less than five years after HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division purchased Park Plaza Hospital, the hospital has delivered on its promise to improve on the quality of care delivered. Now known as HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, the 382-bed hospital earned an “A” for the spring 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This national distinction recognizes achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.

“Our hospital exists to give patients a healthier tomorrow and their safety is our top priority,” said Chris Osentowski, chief executive officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center. “This recognition is a result of our commitment to improve patient outcomes by providing world class care using the most advanced technologies.”

The hospital recently embarked on a comprehensive enhancement and expansion of its operating rooms, clinical areas, nursing units and public spaces, another step in the growth of the boutique surgical and procedural hospital. The main entrance, lobby, and café have been completely redesigned to complement the aesthetics of the surrounding Museum District. The first phase of the Operating Room (OR) renovation will be complete in June and includes three state-of-the-art rooms specifically for robotic-assisted procedures.

“I look forward to overseeing the on-going capital investment projects which will continue to enhance our specialty care facility making HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center a hospital of choice in the greater Houston community and beyond,” added Osentowski.

In addition to the recent “A” Safety Grade, the facility has been recognized with the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award and a Five-Star Patient Quality Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center was named a high performing hospital for 2021-2022 and has received Pathways to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in recognition of its commitment to create a positive environment that empowers and engages the nursing staff.

Since its acquisition, the hospital has added leading physicians in cardiovascular care, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, bariatrics and more. They’ve also invested in resources and equipment to enhance the level of care.

The hospital now has capabilities to perform complex surgical procedures such as thoracoabdominal and aortic dissection surgery, minimally-invasive valve replacement and lower anterior colon resections, and complex bariatric revisions. In May, HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center announced the successful completion of the first robotic-assisted coronary angioplasty. The procedure uses the first and only FDA 510(k) cleared robotic-assisted technology to aid interventional cardiologists in placing stents and balloons in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).  In July, the hospital will receive its third surgical robot unit to assist with increased demand for less invasive procedures.

Dr. Amir Karni, the hospital’s chief of staff added, “HCA Healthcare’s investment in our facility provides the advanced infrastructure needed to provide the highest level of subspecialty care in a modern, safe environment, mirroring the aspirations of the physician leaders who founded this hospital over 45 years ago.”