The SS hospital. Cosma e Damiano di Pescia went from a ‘very low’ level to a ‘between high and very high’ quality standard. An improvement certified by the independent agency Agenas, which has drawn up a nationwide ranking of the hospitals that have improved the most between 2022 and 2023. Among these, in fact, there is the Valdinievole hospital. The director of the hospital, Dr. Giuditta Niccolai, explains this clear and sudden change to us.
Dr. Niccolai, how was it possible to go from ‘very low’ to ‘high’ standards in the space of a few months?
“The ranking was based on approximately 200 indicators of clinical and surgical activity carried out within our hospital. We were very happy to see flattering results from this survey, it was tangible proof that commitment pays off. Much of the credit goes to the spirit of our operators, to those who put their heart and soul into it every day. My sincere thanks go to them.”
What was missing before, then, to be a level structure?
“I arrived at the end of 2022 and will be director from 2023, so I can’t talk about what was missing before. I can say what we focused on to improve ourselves: finding and perfecting some peculiar characteristics of this hospital to make it a point of reference not only for Pescia but for all of Tuscany”.
What areas are you referring to?
“There are several. Since 2023 ours has been a reference center for thyroid surgery, it is the second regional center for the number of operations. For this I want to thank Doctor Feroci who has formed a team of the highest level”.
Other examples?
“Our hospital specializes in physical rehabilitation following strokes, multiple fractures or acute pathologies. We have teams capable of following post-hospitalization step by step also thanks to the gyms inside the department. The same team can follow the patient even after discharge until full recovery of autonomy. Something very similar is also done with cardiac rehabilitation. Furthermore, from the end of 2022, we are also a center specialized in the treatment of glaucoma.”
The birth center, however, remains closed.
“We are sorry about this, but it did not depend on the management of the hospital but rather on ministerial regulations. What is certain is that the gynecology department did not remain idle and has now become a regional point of reference for hysteroscopies, both diagnostic and operational. With our activity we have reduced the waiting list at a regional level”.
Is the emergency room situation under control?
“Extensively. Despite an increase in access, the staff is able to manage even the most pressured situations. In the event of hospitalization, you are assigned to a bed within the same day or, at most, the following day.”
Now that the overall situation of the hospital has improved, what are the new objectives to be achieved?
“Continue to improve and do well, still putting all our effort into what we do.”
Francesco Storai
