Governor Ed Rendell, pictured above, cited St. Joseph Medical Center as one of the top 16 hospitals in Pennsylvania in managing Hospital Acquired Infections earlier this week with the release of the Pennsylvania Department of Health 2009 Hospital Associated Infection (HAI) Report, which monitors infections patients get while being hospitalized.

“It is impressive news and true testimony to the efforts you all are making as we continue to establish St. Joseph's quality, patient satisfaction and clinical excellence credentials," Hospital President and CEO John Morahan said. "We are in the top 16 hospitals in the state and Pennsylvania has more than 250 hospitals. Well done St. Joe’s!"

“Instituting evidence-based practices for pneumonia treatment, Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, isolation practices, environmental services (best cleaning practices), and Central Line placement procedures have all helped to reduce infections at the hospital,” stated Liz Clark, Director, Process and Outcomes Management.

“We are extremely proud of the Critical Care staff,” said Vice President of Medical Affairs, Samuel Alfano, DO. “Because of their diligence in consistently following the best practice guidelines to prevent Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, we haven't had a patient with ventilator associated pneumonia since August of 2008.”

The medical center also follows PA Act 52 guidelines for selecting patients for screening who are at highest risk for bacterial infection that is highly resistant to some antibiotics such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Upon arrival to the hospital, a nasal swab is done to determine the presence of MRSA on all nursing home patients, dialysis patients and patients being admitted to the Critical Care Unit. If the test is positive, those patients are placed in isolation.

In addition, the “SafetySurveillor” software system notifies the infection prevention teams of potential infections in patients, allowing for rapid intervention and investigation. The immediacy of the patient information directs Infection Prevention staff where to focus their investigations to allow for quick interventions for the patient’s health.

Hand washing continues to be the best practice in the control of infection. St. Joseph Medical Center staff is consistently vigilant in monitoring employee and physician adherence to best practice hand washing procedures, and constantly audits compliance.

According to Amy Heins BSN, RN, CIC, “Lack of hand hygiene can be associated with increased hospital associated infections, so we continue to stress the importance of hand washing. Noting St. Joseph Medical Center’s HAI results, we are highly reinforced that our processes are working.”