For several years, Hartford, Conn.-based Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center has been working to improve surgical safety as part of the Connecticut Surgical Quality Collaborative. Since 2011, this effort has saved an estimated 150 lives.
Additionally, the safety efforts have prevented more than 400 readmissions, saved $7.5 million in costs and led to a 20 percent reduction in surgical site infections at the hospital.
Including Saint Francis Hospital, the collaborative includes 22 hospitals and the support of three medical associations in the state. It is also supported by grants from the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation.
"Coverys is proud to support the Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center and the collaborative," said Donna Norris, MD, committee chair of the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation. "To date, the collaborative has proven to have a significant impact on each hospital's advancements to improve patient safety during perioperative process. Through continued support from the Foundation, we look forward to the program's future achievements."