Claiborne Medical Center Earns Zero Harm Awards from Tennessee Hospital Association

The Tennessee Hospital Association has awarded Claiborne Medical Center three Zero Harm Awards. The awards represent a new initiative recognizing outstanding achievements in patient safety across Tennessee hospitals.

The award celebrates hospitals and clinical departments that reached zero healthcare-associated infections in various areas over the past calendar year. This initiative aligns with the THA board’s goal of achieving zero preventable harm across Tennessee hospitals. For 2023, Claiborne was awarded Zero Harm Awards in:

• CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections) – Hospital-wide
• CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections) – Hospital-wide
• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) – Hospital-wide

CAUTIs occur when germs enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter and cause infection. CLABSIs occur when germs enter the bloodstream through a central line. A central line is inserted into major veins in the chest, neck or groin to give fluids or medication, or collect blood. MRSA is a germ that is resistant to some antibiotics. Achieving zero infections in these areas highlight dedicated efforts and commitment to eliminating harm, saving lives, and reducing unnecessary costs.

Zero Harm Awards Highlight Patient Safety

“I am proud of our Claiborne team for this achievement,” stated Claiborne Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Lintz. “These awards result from a lot of hard work and a focus on excellence by our staff. Patient safety is important, and it’s another way we put our patients first every day”.

“The achievements of these hospitals are a testament to exceptional quality and safety practices in their facilities,” said Tammy Van Dyk, THA senior vice president of patient safety. “We are proud to announce that 94 member hospitals received the Zero Harm Awards this year. Eight hospitals achieved the remarkable feat of zero harm events across all four eligible categories.”

In addition to Claiborne, other Covenant Health hospitals earning Zero Harm Awards are Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville; Fort Loudoun Medical Center, Lenoir City; Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville; LeConte Medical Center, Sevierville; Methodist Medical Center, Oak Ridge; Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, Morristown; Roane Medical Center, Harriman; and Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville.

Learn more about the Zero Harm Awards on THA’s website.