Washington Hospital Association Data Indicates Some Hospitals Still Struggle With Infection Control

Infection rates published by the Washington State Hospital Association suggest some hospitals, such as Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Wash., continue to struggle with infection prevention, according to a Kitsap Sun news report.

According to the news report, Harrison had above-average infection rates for heart surgeries and hip replacements. The hospital also had the second-highest rate of central line infections from Oct. 2009-Sept. 2010, according to the news report.

Officials at Harrison implemented environmental changes, such as ventilation renovations in the operating room area and door latch repairs, to reduce infection rates. New equipment and supplies include disposable cleaning clothes with antibacterial substances and alcohol-based port protectors for central lines. The hospital also improved its glucose-control program to help prevent infections among overweight and diabetic patients.

Additionally, the hospital implemented staff changes and ordered disciplinary action to those who were not in keeping with infection control measures.

Read the news report about infection prevention at Harrison Medical Center.

Read other coverage about hospital infections:

- VA Patient Outcomes Data Motivate Change at Hospitals

- Nevada Transparency Bill May Improve Patient Safety

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