F.F. Thompson Hospital has achieved designation as a NICHE hospital. NICHE stands for Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders and is the only national designation indicating a hospital’s commitment to elder care excellence.

“Currently, 65% of the inpatient population our hospital cares for is 65 years or older,” says Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer Hazel Robertshaw. “Whether they are aware of Thompson’s NICHE designation or not, the older adults treated in the hospital will recognize that they are in a place where their care team will pay close attention to every detail of their condition.”

• Implement proven strategies and methods to address issues specific to older patients
• Improve geriatric nursing knowledge and patient outcomes – for instance, enhanced patient/nurse interaction that helps allay older patients’ fears and anxiety related to hospitalization
• Recognize and support families as the key to improving quality of care
• Enhance work satisfaction in caring for older adults