CCMH Joins National Partnership for Patients Program

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Partnership for Patients initiative to improve the quality, safety and affordability of healthcare for its patients and community members.

The patient safety partnership is a new national initiative expected to help hospitals, employers, health plans, medical providers and patient advocates save lives and healthcare costs associated with preventable injuries and complications.

“We’re proud to be the first hospital in our region to participate in this important initiative,” said Cindi Hardesty, vice president and chief nurse executive. “Not only is this important for the safety of our patients but it complements our strategic planning goal to provide error free and coordinated care that is patient-centered, reliable and accessible.”

The partnership strives to decrease preventable hospital-acquired conditions by 40 percent and decrease preventable complications during care transitions from one setting to another, thereby reducing readmissions by 20 percent by the end of 2013. Over the next three years, these achievements are expected to impact millions of Americans by saving lives and preventing injuries while saving the healthcare system some $35 billion, including $10 billion in Medicare savings.

Ten areas of focus have been identified although reducing all forms of harm will be addressed. They are: adverse drug events, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, injuries from falls and immobility, obstetrical adverse events, pressure ulcers, surgical site infections, venous thromboembolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and other hospital-acquired conditions.

CCMH has started participating in a series of educational webinars and plans to educate staff, board members, corporate advisors, wellness committee and the public about the partnership. In addition, the hospital has started to reach out to partner agencies to discuss how they can improve care together. Hardesty noted that this partnership also promotes the sharing of ideas. If an organization is excelling in one of the focus areas, they can share success stories with others so everyone can improve, she said.

The success of this initiative will reveal a joint effort by everyone across the healthcare system including hospitals, health plans, physicians, nurses, employers, unions, patients and families, patient advocates, and federal and state government. To join the partnership or to review a list of existing participants, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/center/programs/partnership/join/index.html.

“It’s about a commitment from everyone in the community and we’re encouraging everyone to sign on and take the pledge,” Hardesty said.