| BGH receives award for Excellence in Healthcare Quality for Patient Safety |
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April 26, 2012 Bonner General Hospital received the 2011 Idaho Award of Excellence in Healthcare Quality for Patient Safety from Qualis Health, one of the nation’s leading healthcare consulting and care management organizations. The hospital was recognized for work to prevent surgical patients from falling while recovering from surgery. The award focused on surgery patients with a post peripheral nerve block.
“This award highlights the commitment our team has made to BGH patients and their safety,” said Sheryl Rickard, CEO of Bonner General Hospital. “I am proud to say that thanks to the hard work of many people, BGH has had zero peripheral nerve block patients fall in 2010 and 2011. This is a fantastic outcome!”
When patients fall, it can result in a longer hospital stay and higher expenses. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, some 3 to 20% of inpatients nationwide fall at least once during their hospital stay, often costing over $4,000 in excess charges per hospitalization. The nursing, anesthesia and physical therapy teams at BGH worked together to improve hand off communication, educate staff and patients on the risk of falling, and standardize post operation procedures. The effect of their efforts is a not only a safer environment, but cost savings for BGH patients.
“BGH is committed to patient safety and working together to provide the best possible service for our community. The Qualis Award is an example of what we strive for everyday,” said Helen Holmes, Manager of Quality & Risk Management.
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