Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System Earns Zero Harm Awards from Tennessee Hospital Association

MORRISTOWN, TENN. – October 2024 – The Tennessee Hospital Association has awarded Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System four 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, Morristown-Hamblen was awarded Zero Harm Awards in:

• CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections)
  • 3 North
  • 3 South
  • 4 South
• CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections) – 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 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.

“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 Morristown-Hamblen, other Covenant Health hospitals earning Zero Harm Awards are Claiborne Medical Center, Tazewell; 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; Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville; and Roane Medical Center, Harriman.

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

About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com. To learn more about Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, visit the hospital website.

About Tennessee Hospital Association

The mission of the Tennessee Hospital Association is to lead its members in advocacy for and support of community-based hospitals and health systems and assist them in delivering accessible, cost-effective, quality health services. THA was established in 1938 as a not-for-profit membership association, to serve as an advocate for hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations and the patients they serve. The Association also provides education and information for its members and informs the public about hospitals and healthcare issues at the state and national levels. Learn more at THA.com.