Phoenix, Arizona—In a remarkable tale of transformation, Desert Peak Care Center, has turned its fortunes around, morphing from a facility on the brink to a standout example of quality care and management excellence in the healthcare sector.
Previously known as Maravilla, Desert Peak was ensnared in challenges that landed it on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Special Focus Facility list, a designation for centers falling short of essential care standards. The facility’s struggles were thrown into the national spotlight following a distressing incident between a resident and a nurse, symbolizing its operational and care delivery issues.
The narrative began to change course about two years ago when Oxford Valley Health, led by Isaac Rami and headquartered in Toms River, New Jersey, stepped in. Acquiring the facility from the bankrupt Preferred Health, Oxford Valley Health embarked on a strategic overhaul, targeting the root causes of Desert Peak’s problems.
Investments flowed into revamping the facility’s outdated infrastructure and reimagining its staffing approach. Isaac Rami, CEO of Oxford Valley Health, emphasized the critical link between employee satisfaction and patient care, stating, “The essence of exemplary patient care fundamentally rests on the well-being of employees. A content workforce establishes a positive environment that cascades downwards.” This philosophy underpinned the bold decision to replace 90% of the existing management and clinical staff, aiming to rejuvenate the center’s culture and operational effectiveness.
Elma Petkovic, the administrator at Desert Peak, recalled her initial hesitations and subsequent optimism: “When Isaac 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.”
Another significant move was cutting ties with the staffing agency that had been a major but unstable source of labor for the facility. This shift towards a more stable and committed workforce has been a cornerstone of the center’s strategy to elevate care quality.
The culmination of these efforts led to a landmark achievement: as of January 31, 2024, Desert Peak officially exited the CMS Special Focus list. This exit is not merely a regulatory milestone but a testament to the facility’s dramatic turnaround. Today, Desert Peak enjoys a 4.3-star rating on Google and boasts near-full occupancy, reflecting its newfound status as a top-tier care facility.
Desert Peak’s journey from troubled waters to industry exemplar highlights a broader lesson for the healthcare sector: transformation is achievable with strategic investment, leadership vision, and a deep commitment to both staff and patient well-being. In an industry facing mounting operational challenges, the story of Desert Peak Care Center offers a blueprint for revitalization and success, underscoring the potential for positive change in even the most daunting circumstances.