Additionally, the center dedicated its resources to reducing slips and
falls for patients and staff alike. No expense is spared, says Ms.
Groven, "whether it's replacing a carpet square, purchasing new, less-
sticky floor wax or retiling an entire department." The center also cre-
ated a safety checklist, which the safety committee uses during
rounds to identify and fix any potential hazards before they cause a
problem.
To increase the visibility of all of these safety initiatives, the center
also created a safety dashboard with data on falls, injuries, blood
and body fluid exposures, as well as their drill schedule and evalua-
tions of the drills. They added this information to their safety com-
mittee web page, so employees could access the information at any
time. Additionally, the center also created a confidential drop box
where employees can submit any safety concerns.
"It definitely helps improve our culture of safety," says Ms.
7 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Catherine Filkins, the business office manager
of the Capital Region Ambulatory Surgery
Center in Albany, N.Y., shares 3 staff safety
exercises that have worked for her facility.
• The local hospital provides the ASC with an
annual infectious disease and sharps safety
in-service.
• Staff get hands-on training with fire extin-
guishers to help them feel more comfortable
in using one in the event of an actual fire.
• The center conducts quarterly fire drills as
well as annual disaster drills for staff.
WORTH A TRY
3 Hands-on Safety Drills
• TARGET PRACTICE
Let staff practice
shooting a fire extinguisher.
Awards Issue
