Phoenix, Arizona—In a significant turnaround story that mirrors the resilience and potential for transformation within the healthcare sector, Desert Peak Care Center, formerly known as Maravilla, has emerged from a period of substantial turmoil to become a beacon of high-quality care. The facility’s journey from the brink of operational failure to a model of excellence provides a compelling narrative about leadership, investment, and strategic management in challenging industry conditions.
Desert Peak found itself embroiled in controversy and operational difficulties, culminating in its addition to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Special Focus Facility list. This designation is reserved for facilities that fail to meet basic standards of care, signaling a need for immediate and significant improvement. The challenges were further highlighted by a widely reported incident involving a physical altercation between a resident and a nurse, underscoring the facility’s dire state.
The turning point for Desert Peak came with its acquisition by Oxford Valley Health, a healthcare management company led by Steven Rieder and based in Toms River, New Jersey. Oxford Valley Health took over the facility from Preferred Health, which had declared bankruptcy, partly due to overwhelming staffing fees from agency workers. Under new leadership, an ambitious plan was set into motion to revitalize the care center.
Significant investment was channeled into upgrading the facility’s infrastructure, which had seen better days, and overhauling its staffing model. “The essence of exemplary patient care fundamentally rests on the well-being of employees. A content workforce establishes a positive environment that cascades downwards,” Steven Rieder, CEO of Oxford Valley Health, remarked. This philosophy guided the decision to replace 90% of the management and clinical staff, a move aimed at resetting the organizational culture and elevating the standard of care.
Elma Petkovic, the administrator of Desert Peak, shared her initial apprehension and eventual optimism: “When Steven reached out about this opportunity, I’ll admit I was a bit jittery. But after walking through their plans and hearing the vision they had, it was clear that this was a chance to make a real difference.”
The comprehensive turnaround strategy also involved severing ties with the staffing agency that had previously supplied a significant portion of the workforce, a decision that aimed to stabilize staffing levels and ensure a higher quality of care through a more dedicated and permanent team.
As of January 31, 2024, these efforts have culminated in Desert Peak graduating from the CMS Special Focus list, a milestone that marks a dramatic shift in the facility’s trajectory. Today, Desert Peak boasts a 4.3-star rating on Google and operates at nearly full capacity, signaling a remarkable recovery and a new chapter in its history.
This transformation is not just a victory for Desert Peak and Oxford Valley Health but serves as a blueprint for other facilities facing similar challenges. It underscores the critical importance of strategic investment in both infrastructure and human capital in the healthcare industry, especially at a time when operating conditions have grown increasingly difficult.
Desert Peak’s story is a testament to the potential for positive change through determined leadership, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of both employees and patients. As the healthcare sector continues to navigate its complex landscape, the turnaround of Desert Peak Care Center stands as a shining example of how to achieve excellence against the odds.
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