California’s community hospitals hold a sacred trust with the
communities they serve. When patients and their families turn to
their local community hospital, they expect to receive safe,
high-quality care.
One of the most serious infections found in hospitalized patients
is sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition in
which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by infection.
California’s community hospitals are leading the way in patient
safety and quality of care. A key focus of this effort is the
prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Central line–associated blood-stream infections (CLABSIs) are one
of the most deadly types of HAIs. CLABSIs occur when bacteria or
other germs get into a catheter used to administer medications
and other fluids directly into the bloodstream.
Patient falls are among the most common causes of non-fatal
injuries in hospitals. According to the Institute for Healthcare
Improvement, about half of patients who fall while they are
hospitalized may suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce
mobility and independence.
Preventing patient falls is among the top quality improvement
initiatives underway at hospitals across California.
Preventing pressure ulcers are among the top quality improvement
initiatives underway at community hospitals across California.
Sometimes referred to as a “bed sore,” a pressure ulcer is a
painful skin sore that develops when pressure against the skin
decreases the blood flow, causing the affected tissue to die.
Pressure ulcers are among the five most common types of harm
experienced by patients in health care facilities.
Hospitals, doctors and nurses are working hard every day to
deliver the highest quality care to patients. In
California, community hospitals are dedicated to advancing safe
patient care practices to reduce serious infections, shorten
hospital stays, and reduce health care costs.
As part of their commitment to patient safety, hundreds of
California’s community hospitals have signed the Partnership for
Patients pledge, a national patient safety initiative designed to
keep patients from getting injured or sicker, and to help
patients heal without complication.
