Newsbriefs

Medication safety: Saline flush syringe use reminder

All Yale New Haven Health clinical staff are reminded that saline flush syringes should be used only for line care and maintenance. Do not use them for medication preparation.

For medication preparation, staff must use designated vials of saline or water that are co-vended with the active drug vial from YNHHS automated dispensing cabinets (Pyxis or Omnicell). The medication preparation syringe must also be labeled with a delivery network-specific label if there is a break between preparation and administration.

“Gaps in the medication use process, such as using a product other than the saline vial or not taking a STAR (stop, think, act, review) moment during interruptive alerts can lead to patient harm,” said Julie D’Ambrosi, Yale New Haven Hospital medication safety officer.

D’Ambrosi said the use of saline flush syringes for medication preparation was uncovered after a medication error. Saline flushes are not acceptable for this purpose due to manufacturer's labeling, which states they are for “IV flush only.” Using these for medication preparation is also recognized nationally as an unsafe practice.

YNHHS named a Best Employer for Diversity

Forbes magazine has recognized Yale New Haven Health as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in the United States, ranking 227th out of 500 companies. This distinction places YNHHS among 41 health systems or hospitals honored on the list, highlighting its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. The evaluation process involved assessing over 1,300 companies on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.