Celebrating Safety Collaborations

October 30, 2014

We hit a notable landmark this week. Our “Safe Tables” are protected learning collaboratives that create a space for quality leaders from hospitals across the state—even competing hospitals—can share best practices, seek advice from peers, and learn from national experts. It is exciting to be in one of these rooms and witness the frank discussion of challenges and the sharing of life-saving solutions.

This week, infection control leaders came together to learn from each other at our 100th in-person Safe Table. And while hospitals are making considerable effort to get ready for the new threat of Ebola, they are also continuing to push forward on other critical safety measures. The work that is done by Carol Wagner, our staff of patient safety experts, and all our member hospitals is truly impressive.

On the Ebola front, a lot of work is being done to help staff get ready to screen and identify patients with Ebola virus disease. Hospitals are also preparing for the possibility of treating a patient with the disease. The state Department of Health is leading on planning, and we are assisting in that preparedness in a variety of ways. We are also ready to adjust our planning as the national best practices evolve.

My many thanks to the many people who work to reduce infections on a daily basis, and also to those who are stepping up to the new challenges.

Scott signature
Scott Bond
WSHA President and CEO
ScottB@wsha.org

Got Engagement?


Support your Patient and Family Engagement work with WSHA’s “Safety is a Partnership Posters” and tray liners. Posters come in three sizes can be downloaded from WSHA’s 
Online Bookstore.

Already got yours? Please send us a photo of your poster display and we will include it in an upcoming issue of our newsletters. Email your photo to RebeccaS@wsha.org. (Rebecca Snyders, rebeccas@wsha.org

Community Engagement Toolkit for Rural Hospitals Now Available


We have combed through numerous resources and adapted them to create an easy to use toolkit aimed at helping administrators leverage their hospital’s strengths and resources to engage in a community dialogue about health and form sustainable community partnerships.  The tools and assessments included in this kit are designed to augment current efforts, helping hospitals understand the effectiveness of current projects while providing guidance for future work. Visit here to access the toolkit. For more information about the toolkit or how WSHA can support your community engagement efforts, contact Jacqueline Barton True, Director of Rural Health Programs. (Jacqueline Barton True, jacquelineb@wsha.org

Survey for Simulation Capacity in Washington

The Washington Center for Nursing (WCN) has been asked by DOH to assess the state of simulation capacity in WA. It is collaborating with the Institute for Simulation and Interprofessional Studies to get a better picture of what’s where, who’s got access to what, where needs exist, etc.

This survey is brief. It will be followed by an equally-brief phone interview for a sample of those who have simulation and who will help by providing more information. WCN will make recommendations to educational institutions, employers and legislators based on feedback. A token of thanks will be sent to those who fully participate!

Here is the survey link. For questions or comments, please contact Linda Tieman, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing at lindat@wcnursing.org. (Mary Kay Clunies-Ross, marykaycr@wsha.org)

Industry Partner NFP Retirement Offers Guidance on Defined Contribution Plans


NFP Retirement, formerly 401(k) Advisors, recently released a one-page fact sheet summarizing recent regulatory changes to the determination of fee reasonableness of defined contribution plan record keepers.The fact sheet can be downloaded here. NFP Retirement is an Industry Partner of Washington Hospital Services. NFP Retirement provides comprehensive retirement management for employers, including plan design and regulatory compliance. Services are offered at a discount to WSHA members.  (Paul Unsworth, paulu@wsha.org
 

Robert Lenza Named Chief Operating Officer of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center

MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center in Tacoma officially named Robert (Rob) Lenza as their Chief Operating Officer in May 2014. After serving 12 years in the Army’s health care world, he took on progressively expanding positions for MultiCare Health System. He most recently held the position of Administrator for the Women’s and Children’s Careline before being named Chief Operating Officer for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center.

Rob is passionate about building the Mary Bridge strategy, driving the vision, and increasing the Mary Bridge brand and market share.  This is all based on his belief in partnering with our communities to provide high-value health care for children and growing a healthier generation of children.

Congratulations on your new role Rob! (Danielle Kean, daniellek@wsha.org)

David Schultz Named Next President of Harrison Medical Center

CHI Franciscan Health announced David Schultz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Overlake Medical Center will be Harrison Medical Center’s new president as of December 15, 2014.

“We believe that David Schultz, with his many years of hospital leadership experience, will benefit Harrison as he leads the organization through a period of tremendous change and growth,” CHI Franciscan Health CEO Joe Wilczek said.  “Given his solid track record he is the right leader to ensure Harrison remains the region’s center for exceptional health care, now and well into the future.”

“David stood out for his leadership skills and experience with working with physicians, staff and the community to expand and improve health care services,” Harrison Board Chairman Jim Civilla said.

Congratulations David! To view the full article, please click here.  (Danielle Kean, daniellek@wsha.org)

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