The Westerly Hospital ICU team has doubled down on the health system’s 1,000-Day Club initiative by literally going twice as long without two common hospital-acquired infections. ICU team members include (l-r): Brendan Kilmartin, RN, Sheldon Vogt, RN, nurse manager, Jacquelyn Rato, RN, clinical coordinator, and Carin Girouard, RN.
Westerly Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) recently celebrated two remarkable patient safety achievements: maintaining membership in the 1,000 Day Club without a CLABSI and the 2,000 Day Club without a CAUTI.
That means no patients have had a central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) or a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) for these amazing stretches of time – a tribute to the level of care and safety that the team prides itself on.
“It really requires meticulous attention to detail, consistent use of proven prevention bundles and a deeply shared safety culture,” said Sheldon Vogt, RN, nurse manager. “Sustaining these outcomes for literally years speaks to the ICU team’s vigilance, teamwork and dedication to doing the right thing for every patient, every time.”
Drilling down on the benefits of infection-free care, Vogt noted that it translates to fewer complications, shorter lengths of stay and better overall outcomes.
“For our staff, it reinforces the power of collective accountability and demonstrates that extraordinary results are possible when every team member – from nurses and physicians to support staff – owns their role in infection prevention.”
Rachael Silvia, RN, director Patient Care Services at Westerly Hospital, praised the ICU team’s clinical expertise, consistent adherence to evidence-based practices and “relentless focus” on patient safety.
“Congratulations to our ICU team for setting a standard of excellence that inspires our entire organization,” she said.
