The intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been awarded a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is one of only two hospitals outside of the Texas Medical Center and one of six hospitals in the Houston area to earn a Beacon Award for Excellence.

The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

"The dedication of our Intensive Care Unit team members to consistently make an impact on patient care through effective communication, learning and development, appropriate staffing and staff engagement is reflected in this distinguished achievement,” said Beryl Ramsey, chief executive officer, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and senior vice president, Houston Methodist.

The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies continuous learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. The intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital earned its award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria:

  • Leadership Structures and Systems
  • Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement
  • Effective Communication, Knowledge Management, Learning and Development
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
  • Outcome Measurement

In May, AACN will honor awardees at the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, the world’s largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.  To learn more about the Beacon Award for Excellence, visit www.aacn.org/beacon.