Independence, MO  — Centerpoint Medical Center — part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading and most comprehensive healthcare provider — has named Suzanne Ford, RN, BA, BSN, MHA, as chief nursing officer. Ford will be a member of Centerpoint Medical Center’s executive team, leading the hospital’s nursing staff and overall patient experience. 

Since 2018, Ford has served as HCA Midwest Health Division Vice President of Nursing Operations where she created and implemented a 1st Year Nursing Graduate program, introduced LPN and Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) alternative care models, and successfully led nursing operations during the pandemic, among other accomplishments.  Her strong leadership in navigating the pandemic has been immeasurable in terms of the support she has provided facility nursing leaders and helping facilitate staffing surge support between Kansas City and Tulane Medical Center nurses. Prior to that role, Ford was at Centerpoint Medical Center from 1996-2016 in multiple positions, including bedside nurse, case manager, director of case management and finally as assistant chief nursing officer. In addition to her nursing leadership roles, Ford oversaw nine CareNow Urgent Care locations in the Kansas City area as market manager from 2016-2018. 

“Suzanne brings a wealth of leadership experience to our team and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve,” says Centerpoint Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Bret Kolman, FACHE. “During her time at HCA Midwest Health division, Suzanne has been involved in many major initiatives, including executing on nursing strategy and alternative staffing models and turnover reduction. As she returns to Centerpoint Medical Center, Suzanne will be instrumental in leading our nurses and Centerpoint family to continue elevating the standard of patient care and enhancing the patient experience.” 

“It is inspiring to work alongside dedicated nurses and healthcare professionals who are passionate about patient care,” Ford says.  “I look forward to returning to my roots at Centerpoint Medical Center and continue building its highly skilled nursing team that is focused on delivering exceptional care to the communities we serve.” 

Ford received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Galen College of Nursing and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Webster University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of San Diego and diploma of nursing from Missouri Baptist Medical Center School of Nursing.

About Centerpoint Medical Center

Centerpoint Medical Center (CTMC)—part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider—is located near I-70 and 291 Highway in Independence, Missouri.  Centerpoint Medical Center is a 285-bed, acute care hospital with a Level II Trauma Center, 24/7 Emergency Department, an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Certified Stroke Center and neurological care including neurosurgery, comprehensive women’s services including a premier birthing center with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, orthopedic services, advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical and other acute care services.  The Joint Commission, the nation¹s leading independent accreditor of healthcare organizations, has ranked Centerpoint Medical Center as a Top Performer on Key Quality measures including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care and bestowed CTMC with The Gold Seal of Approval of accreditation for national standards of health care quality and safety in hospitals. Centerpoint also features a state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation wing with 16 beds for the care of trauma, stroke and orthopedic patients who require long-term rehabilitation. For more information about Centerpoint Medical Center, visit centerpointmedical.com

About HCA Midwest Health 

As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest private-sector employers, with more than 10,000 employees, and the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care. Each year, we provide nearly $1 million to local charities. Annually, HCA Midwest Health invests capital to enhance and expand patient services and last year paid more than $115 million in taxes, which may go to the improvement of schools, roads and infrastructure in the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.