CCMH staff reach patient safety milestone while fighting flu

The staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital recently reached a new patient safety milestone as over 95 percent of staff received a flu vaccine this season.
Reaching this milestone was part of a system-wide campaign aimed at providing a safe environment for patients. Over 700 CCMH employees voluntarily received annual flu vaccinations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for healthcare workers.

“This vaccination rate sends a strong message to our patients and the communities we serve about our dedication to patient safety and disease prevention,” said Cindi Hardesty, vice president and chief nurse executive at CCMH.
“Considering that last year, we reached 87 percent and a couple years ago we had approximately 50 percent participation, we have taken major strides forward to proactively reduce potential harm to our patients, our families and ourselves,” said Ed Pitchford, CCMH president and chief executive officer. “We believe that it’s our responsibility to make such a commitment to safety for those who entrust their care to us. Our staff takes pride in the excellent care they provide to our patients and hold their health, safety and well-being in the highest regard.”

Three years ago, Charles Cole embraced the Joint Commission’s Flu Vaccination Challenge which encourages healthcare vaccination programs to prevent the spread of influenza among healthcare workers, patients, visitors, family and friends. This year, the hospital sought to reach the highest level of recognition, the Gold Level, which required at least 95 percent staff participation.

This year’s campaign included an awareness initiative, “It’s ok to ask to mask,” to inform patients and visitors that employees who received a flu vaccine have a sticker on their name badges. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a mask during flu season when in proximity to patients to further prevent the spread of the flu.

Last year, the Joint Commission reported that while most hospitals increased participation from the previous year, less than 20 percent of participating organizations nationwide reached the “Gold Level” which was set at 90 percent.

Charles Cole is a Joint Commission-accredited organization. Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Caption: Valerie Tinder, RN gives David Hajzus a flu shot this fall.