The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), faced with an urgent need for improvement following a ‘C’ grade from healthcare evaluators Leapfrog, is undertaking crucial measures to enhance patient safety. Leapfrog’s evaluation methodology focuses on various factors, including hospital-acquired infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and staph infections. Montage Health, the parent entity of CHOMP, voiced accountability in its statement, expressing the need to recognize areas of underperformance, learn from them, and consequently, take decisive action.
Among the key initiatives being considered to address this pressing issue are the strengthening of the safety and quality infrastructure, assembly of safety experts for comprehensive review and evaluation of patient safety protocols, and investing significantly in infection control workforce. At CHOMP, this specialized team is designated as the Environmental Services Team (EVS).
While hand hygiene remains a crucial preventive measure against hospital-acquired infections, for Mark Deering, the assistant director of the EVS team, this is merely the initial step. He spotlighted the comprehensiveness of their action plan, starting with cleaning high touch points such as light switches, faucets, countertops, bed rails, door knobs, toilet surfaces, flush handles, grab bars and sink handles. A rigourous protocol is in place to clean the hospital rooms each day, leading to thorough ‘deep-cleans’ following patient discharge encompassing even the ventilation system.
Dr. Martha Blum, an infectious disease expert working at CHOMP, emphasized that while hospitals and homes aren’t completely sterilized environments, adhering to robust protocols and procedures is pivotal to maintaining a clean environment and minimizing infection risks. CHOMP’s commitment to innovation in environmental services is reflected in their investment in cutting-edge cleaning technologies and products.
Despite showing areas of improvement highlighted in Leapfrog’s grading system, CHOMP has managed to secure accolades from other organizations. Healthgrades, a widely recognized non-profit evaluator, recently included CHOMP in its list of America’s top 250 hospitals, a significant accomplishment given the existence of over 6,000 hospitals across the country. Despite this distinct recognition, hospital leaders are aware of the necessity to improve their Leapfrog grade for continual progress in ensuring patient safety.
Source: https://www.ksbw.com/article/monterey-hospital-improve-patient-safety-c-grade/71447797