Safe Patient Project: National

WA: Harrison Highest in State for Central Line Infection Rate in 2009

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:29:05 -0600

"Harrison Medical Center in 2009 had the highest central-line infection rate of any of Washington state�s 63 hospitals with intensive-care units. The Bremerton-based hospital also had the fourth-highest rate of pneumonia linked to the use of ventilators among the state�s 37 community hospitals, according to the Washington Department of Health (DOH)."

Do No Harm: Hospital Care in Las Vegas

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:03:12 -0600

Parts 1 and 2 of an investigative series by the Las Vegas Sun of hospital safety. The articles focus on hospital infections and preventable injuries. They also explain the limited information available to consumers and why the state has failed to provide this information.

New superbug found in Alberta

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:29:40 -0600

A new superbug that is making its way aroung the world has been discovered. "British researchers are being credited with the discovery of new bacteria with the gene allowing it to produce an enzyme called New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1, or NDM-1." Two cases have been discovered in Canada.

NH: State releases first hospital infection report

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:51:04 -0600

The long overdue report is in response to a 2006 state law requiring reporting of central line bloodstream infections. and infections acquired after heart, colon and knee surgeries. A separate report details influenza vaccination rates among hospital staff.

Look for Yourself: Is Your State Reporting Dangerous Nurses?

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:31:24 -0600

Chart that shows how many serious disciplinary actions against registered nurses each state reported to a federal database over the past ten years.

MRSA Study Indicates Good News But Far Too Many Patients Suffering

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:56:22 -0600

Last week�s good news of a decline in serious MRSA health care-acquired infections, is a victory for patient safety, but we still have a long way to go to eliminate this very preventable crisis.

Solo Slim, Solo Slim Extra Strength: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:27:15 -0600

FDA just issued a new alert regarding yet another supplement for weight loss.

Revivexxx Extra Strength: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:22:51 -0600

FDA releases a new alert regarding yet another supplement for sexual dysfunction.

Victory for patients! Public reporting of certain infections will go nationwide

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:37:06 -0600

Soon it will be easier for you to find out how well your hospital prevents certain infections. As part of the new health care reform law, the Department of Health and Human Services will require hospitals to publicly disclose several types of dangerous hospital infections.

New HHS Regulations Require Public Reporting of Certain Hospital Infections

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:15:13 -0600

What You Need to Know Before Having an MRI Scan

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:08:19 -0600

The magnetic field of the MRI scanner may exert forces on certain implanted objects that are susceptible to the effects of the magnetic field, potentially causing the object to move within the body, which could result in serious harm. Learn how you can help protect yourself.

What You Can Do to Prevent Wrong-Site Surgery

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:04:49 -0600

Know what steps you can take to prevent a wrong-site surgery from happening to you or a loved one.

Preventing the Retention of Foreign Objects during Interventional Radiology Procedures

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:58:42 -0600

Patient injury reports indicate that it is important to use radiopaque sponges during any IR procedure in order to prevent the retention of foreign objects following IR procedures.

Safety in the MR Environment: MR Screening Practices

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:47:18 -0600

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority received approximately 150 reports describing events in which the magnetic resonance (MR) clinical screening process was inadequate and, in some cases, erroneously permitted patients with implanted pacemakers and other ferromagnetic objects into the MRI scanner room.

Medication Errors Occurring in the Radiologic Services Department

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:38:04 -0600

Nearly 1,000 event reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority specifically mentioned medication errors that occurred in care areas providing radiologic services.