Safety: Our Highest Priority
When using a healthcare provider, it’s important to know that you are in good hands. At Lancaster General, we place a high value on safety—for patients, staff and visitors. Every employee, medical staff member, student and volunteer understands the reason we emphasize a safe, comfortable experience for patients and their loved ones.
“Lancaster General has long recognized the importance of patient safety. Employees learn about it during the orientation process. In addition, we are always exploring process improvements and equipment that promotes patient safety,” explains Lisa Brosey, RN, Director of Patient Safety and Quality.
Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) Chief Operating Officer Marion McGowan, RN, chairs the Patient Safety Committee. The committee is comprised of members from the community, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, managers and others who meet regularly to review the safety performance record for LGH and discuss how to continue to provide a safe environment for patients and visitors.
“Patients and their families can also participate in creating and maintaining a safe hospital environment by becoming active, involved and informed about their healthcare,” Marion says.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) conducts extensive on-site reviews of healthcare organizations to evaluate a hospital’s performance in areas that impact patient care. In September, LGH received a JCAHO score of 98 with no Type 1 recommendations. This is the highest JCAHO score in the history of the hospital. JCAHO surveyors commended LGH on our commitment of always putting the patient first.
As part of its “Speak Up” campaign, JCAHO urges all patients to get involved with their care. JCAHO suggests patients and their families do the following:
For more information about JCAHO or to download a patient safety brochure, log onto http://www.jcaho.org/ If you have a question or concern regarding safety at Lancaster General, check our site under “Patient & Visitors.”