St. Francis Hospital Wins Two Patient Safety Awards

St. Francis Hospital was awarded two Patient Safety Awards January 6, 2009. The Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) and the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) presented the prestigious Quality and Safety Award to St. Francis for a project that reduced hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients undergoing a cardiac catheterization, a procedure to test how well the heart is pumping. The project, initiated by St. Francis’ Failure Mode and Effects (FMEA) team and entitled “Cardiac Catheterization Glucose Control,” won second place among hospitals with more than 300 beds.

“Glucose control is a critical factor in the health of diabetic patients,” said GHA President Joseph Parker. “We applaud St. Francis Hospital for its leadership and dedication to this critical area and its commitment to providing the best and safest care possible for Georgia.”

St. Francis was also presented with a Circle of Excellence Award, an honor given to hospitals that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to quality and patient safety by winning a patient safety award in 2008 and by earning three or more PHA Patient Safety Awards within the previous five years.