HAYS — HaysMed is one of only a handful of hospitals in Kansas that recently earned a zero-percent rating for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

This is a serious infection that happens after germs enter the bloodstream through a central line – a catheter placed in a large vein, explained Joben Rieth, HaysMed chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services.

“HaysMed is one of only five hospitals in the state and 339 in the country to earn this recognition,” Rieth said. “We accomplished this because we work as a team, from the bedside staff to our housekeepers. It comes down to vigilance, teamwork and doing what is right for the safety of our patients.

“Since infection can lead to longer hospital stays and even life-threatening situations, we do all we can to protect our patients from harm during their stay with us.”

Justin Helberg, MD, medical director of the HaysMed hospitalist group, said this zero-percent rating is “a reflection on the amazing work done by the vascular-access team and bedside nurses.”

The vascular-access team has implemented several processes with the goal of decreasing clinical variability and improving the sterile process, Dr. Helberg noted.

“In addition, bedside nurses monitor the patient’s access sites and focus on hygiene to ensure possible concerns are addressed early and appropriately,” Dr. Helberg commented. “This focus on infectious prevention has helped us keep our patients safe and our team members safe, while improving the quality of care we provide at HaysMed.”

Regina Borthwick, HaysMed Patient Quality Services executive director, reflected the significance of the zero-percent CLABSI rating: “Achieving a zero-percent CLABSI rate is not just a statistic, it’s a reflection of our commitment to excellence in care. At HaysMed, every process, every precaution, and every person play a role in protecting our patients. We are incredibly proud to be among the few hospitals in Kansas and the nation to reach this milestone.”

Becker’s Hospital Review awarded the zero-percent rating, which is based on the healthcare-associated infections data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This data, which was updated April 30, includes performance data for five types of infections collected through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, according to a Becker’s news release.

The measures show how often hospitalized patients contract infections during an inpatient stay compared to similar hospitals, the release says. The measures apply to all patients treated in acute-care hospitals.

This includes adults and children, as well as those in neonatal care; it applies to Medicare and non-Medicare patients.