trated that 48.6% of the residents and staff responded “Very important”, 46.2% said “Somewhat important”, and only 5.2% said “Not important”.
The survey was intended to determine the need for a new health and wellness center at the hospital. Of those surveyed, the concept was favored by 79.5% (1054 people). Seventy-two percent of those surveyed felt that an $80-$100 annual charge for those who use the center was “Very reasonable”. Funding for the development of a health and wellness center is a major obstacle for keeping this project moving ahead. Fees collected, health insurance reimbursements, and other forms of funding will be utilized to help provide the resources for the center. The first step in assessing the need for the center was to measure market demand for the utilization of it. A questionnaire was developed to give a deeper understanding of what kinds of services individuals desire. Focus groups helped explore various issues which resulted in many points and ideas to be used in the questionnaire. The hard data obtained from the surveys was then used as the basis of recommendations.
The survey was completed by 1400 respondents representing hospital staff and employees as well as community residents. Of those surveyed, only 26% currently belong to some kind of fitness or wellness center, paying an average of $22.00/month to use them. Lack of time and high costs were the two primary reasons given by those who did not belong to some kind of fitness or wellness center. The survey showed that the following represent the most desired facilities for inclusion in a hospital-affiliated health and wellness center:
Alcohol and Drug Education/Services (77.3%)
The survey showed that 70% of those who responded have health care insurance. Sixty-two percent indicated that the preferred location of the proposed health and wellness center be at or in close proximity to the hospital. Eighty-one percent...