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…
Aspirus Health, a major player in the healthcare sector based in Wisconsin, has announced that one of its hospitals - Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital has been acknowledged for achieving an exemplary rate of zero for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). This recognition was bestowed upon them by Becker’s Hospital Review, based on recently released data…
Healthcare safety is a paramount concern for hospitals nationwide. A new report by Leapfrog offers an in-depth analysis of hospital safety, setting a benchmark for infection prevention, reduction of medical errors, and mitigation of patient harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, released bi-annually, utilize up to 31 evidence-based metrics, comprising of infection rates, surgical safety,…
In the competitive healthcare landscape of the Lehigh Valley, health network giants St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network have been ardently contending for the top spot. Amidst the din of promotional promises, one claim stands out, distinguishing itself from the commonplace marketing rhetoric — the notable standard of quality and patient…
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley has been awarded a 'B' grade by Leapfrog, a national healthcare watchdog, for its capabilities in safeguarding patients from avoidable harm. The grading was part of Leapfrog's latest safety report where the hospital showed exemplary patient safety measures. The hospital had managed to achieve an 'A' grade back in 2025.
Recognized as…
The sterile processing departments (SPD) of hospitals often go unnoticed, but the consequences of their breakdown can have a significant impact on surgical care. An investigation involving Penn State Health and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reveals the danger of breakdowns in sterile processing departments, prompting wider concern regarding patient safety, infection prevention methods, and…
At the 2026 Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, a prevalent yet commonly disregarded issue was brought forward - scan fatigue in sterile processing departments. The discussion was led by Deannard Esnard, a seasoned sterile processing leader at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, who has over 15 years of experience in…
Surgical smoke, routinely generated by lasers, electrosurgical devices, and ultrasonic tools, has been a longstanding part of operating room culture. Despite the near-constant presence of this smoke, its risks to perioperative care are under-recognized and inconsistently addressed. This lack of awareness and action has descended into a blind spot in healthcare, putting both healthcare professionals…
The annual Association of periOperative Registered Nurse (AORN) Global Surgical Conference & Expo, which took place this year in New Orleans, Louisiana, featured a poster that honed in on a crucial and often overlooked hazard within operating rooms - surgical smoke. Authored by Alexis J. Carlson, MSN, RN, CNOR, the poster titled “227 - Up…
Hospital infection prevention professionals strive to create an environment that ensures patient safety by maintaining sterile technique and averting surgical site infections. One of the keys to achieving this is having a well-trained perioperative nursing staff who understand real-world surgical procedures. However, the transition from foundational education to surgical competence can be a challenging one.
At…