Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report - (Page 7)

Highlights of our safety initiatives In 2009, we enhanced our preventive measures by improving our call light system, purchasing beds with exit alarms and hiring additional nursing assistants to address patients’ toileting needs. A presentation about our successful falls reduction program was well received at the 2009 national conference of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Getting patients involved At Washington Hospital, we believe patients and families are key members of the patient care team. For this reason, we encourage them to participate actively in their care. Guided by recommendations from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, we have a Rapid Response Team of nurses and respiratory therapists available 24 hours a day to quickly assess and evaluate our patients at the first sign their condition may be worsening. Anyone on the care team, including the patient or family members, can call on this specially trained group at any time. We also encourage patients and families to ask questions. Our “Please Ask” program advises them to ask about the plan of care, medications, rights and responsibilities, safety and hand hygiene. The involvement of patients and families has a direct impact on the outcome of patient care. The importance of communication According to The Joint Commission, poor communication – between caregivers or between family and caregiver – is often the cause of adverse events in the hospital. The ability to communicate effectively is key to patient safety. Kris LaVoy, RN, MS, Chief of Compliance and Patient Safety Officer 7 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report

Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report
Mission Statement
Setting Our Quality Goals
Our Total Commitment
Inspiring Change Through Excellence
Collaborating for Quality and Safety
Promoting Safety
Assuring a Safe Place for Patients
Focusing on Improvement
Cultivating Quality
Advancing Excellence in Nursing
Connecting Evidence-based Practice to Quality Outcomes
Teaming Up for Higher Quality and Greater Efficiency
Learning From Our Patients
Innovation That Builds Quality
Recognized for Quality
Raising the Bar on Quality

Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report

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