News

Meritus Health was recently named a Circle of Honor winner for the 2022 Minogue Awards for two patient safety innovation projects by the Maryland Patient Safety Center.

Award-winning programs included, “Best Practice for Pressure Injury Prevention” and “Solving Sepsis.”

“Being selected as one of only four health systems in the state of Maryland as a Circle of Honor winner by the Maryland Patient Safety Center for the 2022 Minogue Awards for patient safety innovation is an outstanding honor, especially for all of our team members who came together to create these innovative strategies,” explained Carrie Adams, chief operating officer at Meritus Medical Center. “Patient safety through quality care is our first priority and to have our projects singled out as best practices supports our mission, vision and values as the health care system for the tristate area.”

The hospital’s orthopedic/trauma team members recognized an opportunity to better identify patients at increased risk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), a highly preventable diagnosis. The project was awarded for its innovative approach, through enriched nursing staff education, hands-on interventions on the units, guidance from nurse champions and support of leadership.

Efforts to respond effectively and efficiently to sepsis cases in the hospital were also recognized. These included establishing a “Code Sepsis” workflow to bring rapid response to a patient’s bedside; improved tools in the electronic health record to better navigate the care of the patients; regular recognition of staff for excellent care; enhanced employee education; the support of leadership; and tools for the patient’s family to help identify the signs of sepsis in their loved ones.

Honorees were selected by a panel of independent judges who are leaders in the Maryland health care community. The Minogue Awards were named for the Maryland Patient Safety Center’s first President and Executive Director William Minogue to honor his enduring contributions to and passion for improving patient care and safety. The Center’s goal is to make health care in Maryland the safest in the nation.