Grant Will Assist in Hospital's Battle Against Infections

The CareOregon grant will allow the hospital to hire a performance-improvement specialist to assist with implementing the necessary changes, as well as fund patient and family education and a public awareness campaign.

Salem-News.com Business Report

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Hospital has received $90,000 through the CareOregon Care Support and System Innovation (CSSI) Program to support a project aimed at preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

This hospital initiative is one of several of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's "5 Million Lives from Harm" national campaign focused on improving patient safety.

The project includes focused attention on the early identification and management of patients who are at high risk for developing and/or transmitting MRSA infection, increased attention to hand hygiene practices, and proper cleaning of equipment and the patient environment.

The CareOregon grant will allow the hospital to hire a performance-improvement specialist to assist with implementing the necessary changes, as well as fund patient and family education and a public awareness campaign.

"Getting the grant is a big boost to the project," says Kristen Myers, R.N., with the hospital's performance improvement department. "Having an expert dedicated to being the change agent and helping overcome barriers will help the project be successful."

"This project is a great example of the hospital's increased focus on patient safety and improving patient outcomes and efforts to provide quality care second to none," says Myers.

Salem Hospital received its first CSSI project funding in 2005 when $104,535 was granted by CareOregon in support of the Family Birth Center Clinic which provides prenatal care to high-risk, underserved pregnant women in this region.

The continuation of this project was approved in 2006 with an additional $66,005. In 2007, the CSSI program provided $100,000 to fund a project to reduce post-surgical complications.

About CareOregon

CareOregon is a health plan that serves Oregonians who are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Each year, CareOregon through the Care Support and System Innovation program provides funds to healthcare organizations of all sizes for projects to make healthcare more safe, effective, timely, efficient, patient-centered and equitable.

About Salem Hospital

Salem Hospital Regional Health Services is one of the largest of Oregon's 57 acute care hospitals and operates the busiest emergency department in Oregon.

It is a not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 454 acute-care beds, and is guided by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees.

There are 465 physicians on the active medical staff, representing 46 different specialties, who admit patients to the hospital.

More than 275 volunteers provide non-medical support for the hospital. The hospital is the city's largest private employer, with approximately 3,500 full- and part-time employees.

Source: News release from Salem Hospital