Fort Loudoun Medical Center Earns Zero Harm Awards from Tennessee Hospital Association

The Tennessee Hospital Association has awarded Fort Loudoun Medical Center two Zero Harm Awards, a new initiative recognizing outstanding achievements in patient safety across Tennessee hospitals.

The award celebrates hospitals and clinical departments that have 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, Fort Loudoun was awarded Zero Harm Awards in:

• CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections) – Hospital Wide
• CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections) – Critical Care Unit

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 tube that is inserted into major veins in the chest, neck or groin to give fluids or medication, or to collect blood. Having zero healthcare-associated infections in these areas highlight the dedicated efforts of the hospitals and clinical departments that are committed to eliminating harm, saving lives, and reducing unnecessary costs.

“Patient safety is our highest priority at Fort Loudoun Medical Center,” said Connie Martin, president, and chief administrative officer. “I’m so proud of our team’s dedication and commitment to providing a safe experience for our patients. I’m also appreciative of THA’s recognition of our team for the safety milestones they have achieved.”

“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, and eight hospitals achieved the remarkable feat of zero harm events across all four eligible categories.”

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

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