Fitzgibbon Mary Montgomery Hospice among Top Performers in National Study

March 15, 2018

The dedication and compassion of Fitzgibbon Mary Montgomery Hospice staff showed up clearly in the most recent release by the Hospice Compare website maintained by CMS, better known as Medicare. The site allows individuals to compare key indicators of quality from numerous hospice agencies serving their areas. It provides families a single source to research and make informed decisions about which agency can best provide their care. Fitzgibbon Mary Montgomery Hospice performed significantly higher than other agencies in the 30-mile territory it covers. And many of the indicators were ranked significantly higher than the national average.

“We have a wonderful staff of nurses, a social worker, a chaplain and office personnel. Our entire team works together to ensure that patients and their families are provided the support and care needed at the last stages of their lives,” said Angela Pogue, R.N., Nurse Manager for Fitzgibbon Community Services which includes home health, homemakers, transportation and hospice services.

            For communication with family, the not-for-profit hospice scored a 92 percent ranking, a full 14 percent higher than any other agency in Saline County and 12 percent higher than the national average. Of those surveyed, 97 percent said they were willing to recommend this hospice, scoring 9 percent higher than any area agency and 13 percent higher than the national average.

            Patients and caregivers’ beliefs and values are clearly respected by the Fitzgibbon Mary Montgomery Hospice, with 98.8 percent of respondents confirming that they were asked about these beliefs at the beginning of their hospice care. This number is 6 percent greater than all other area agencies and 4 percent higher than the national average.

            In addition to getting higher marks from families than other agencies serving Saline County and surrounding areas, Fitzgibbon Mary Montgomery Hospice also has provided care longer than the other “for-profit” entities, with their hospice having acquired certification by Medicare in 1993.

            “I think these surveys say pretty clearly that the best opportunity to receive the highest level of end-of-life care is right here in Marshall. This is more than a job for myself and my staff. We want to provide the care for the families in our communities, because we already have working relationships with them,” said Pogue.

            This philosophy is underscored by a 96 percent rating in the area of Treating the Patient with Respect. Again, this is a full 6 percent higher than any other hospice agency and 5 percent higher than the national average for all hospice agencies.

            The survey is compiled from interviews between April 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017, which is the last period available. To view all of the scores, visit www.medicare.gov/hospicecompare and enter the Marshall zip code to view agency ratings. With the site, you can also select which agencies you want to compare side-by-side.