FirstLight Health System has been recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for superior performance in patient safety as part of its Hospital Engagement Network 2.0. The MHA Hospital Engagement Network 2.0 is working to reduce hospital-acquired conditions by 40 percent and readmissions by 20 percent.

FirstLight has committed resources to improve on 10 of the 10 focus areas, including adverse drug events; catheter-associated urinary tract infections; central-line-associated blood stream infections; injuries from falls and immobility; obstetrical adverse events, including early elective deliveries; pressure ulcers; preventable readmissions; surgical site infections; venous thromboembolism; and ventilator-associated pneumonia. It was among 16 hospitals recognized by MHA for demonstrating high performance on six or more hospital acquired conditions.

“FirstLight is helping to further strengthen patient safety in Minnesota and contributing to the state’s well-deserved reputation for high-quality health care,” said Lawrence Massa, MHA president and CEO.

Several interventions were implemented by FirstLight’s staff to promote patient safety including nurse-driven protocols for removing urinary catheters, an establishment of a patient partnership program  (PFAC) for the sharing of ideas and obtaining suggestions in respects to safety from a patient’s perspective, and implementation of best practices aimed at fall prevention and skin breakdown complications.

“We are continually educating our staff and actively pursuing new ideas that will improve our processes and procedures.  The commitment to patient safety and practicing within a safe environment is instilled in our culture, from EVS to Administration.  Our participation in the Minnesota Hospital Association’s Hospital Engagement Network helps us achieve our goal of providing the best patient care possible,” comments Chief Quality Officer, Ellen Ryan, RN, MSN.

For more information about Minnesota hospitals’ patient safety initiatives, go to www.mnhospitals.org/patient-safety