This July, the hospital is celebrating two remarkable milestones that demonstrate the dedication, expertise, and vigilance of its caregivers:
- Over 1,000 consecutive days without a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
- Over 600 consecutive days without a Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)
While these numbers are impressive, their true significance lies in what they represent: safer care, better outcomes, and an unwavering commitment to protecting patients from preventable harm.
Why These Milestones Matter
Healthcare-associated infections are among the most closely monitored quality and safety indicators in hospitals nationwide. Both CAUTIs and C. diff infections can lead to serious complications, longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.
A CAUTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through a catheter, while C. diff is a highly contagious intestinal infection that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon.
Preventing these infections requires rigorous protocols, consistent staff education, careful monitoring, and a culture where every team member takes ownership of patient safety.
Reaching 600 days without a CAUTI and 1,000 days without a C. diff infection is a testament to the teamwork and dedication of FWMC's physicians, nurses, environmental services staff, infection prevention specialists, and support teams.
A Culture of Safety in Action
These accomplishments did not happen by chance. They are the result of years of focused work to strengthen infection prevention practices and create a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
From proper hand hygiene and environmental cleaning to evidence-based catheter management and ongoing staff training, every step in the patient care journey is designed with safety in mind.
"Our caregivers come to work every day with one mission: to provide the safest, highest-quality care possible for our patients," said Daffodil Baez, President of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. "These milestones reflect the extraordinary commitment of our team members and their dedication to protecting the health and well-being of every community member who entrusts us with their care."
Supporting an 'A' Grade for Patient Safety
FWMC's infection prevention success is one of many factors contributing to the hospital's recognition as the only hospital in Prince George's County to earn an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is widely recognized as one of the nation's most respected measures of patient safety. The grade evaluates hospitals on numerous indicators, including infection prevention, patient outcomes, medication safety, and processes designed to prevent medical errors.
Maintaining extended periods without CAUTI and C. diff infections directly supports the hospital's strong performance in patient safety metrics and reflects the high standards expected throughout the organization.
"Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do," said Dr. Keith Fisher, Chief Medical Officer. "These milestones demonstrate that when clinical excellence, teamwork, and accountability come together, we can achieve exceptional outcomes for our patients and community."
Excellence Through Teamwork
Behind every day without a healthcare-associated infection is a team of professionals working together to prevent harm before it occurs.
From bedside nurses carefully assessing whether a catheter is still needed, to environmental services teams maintaining clean patient care environments, to infection prevention specialists analyzing data and identifying opportunities for improvement, every role contributes to these achievements.
"Our success is built on collaboration," said Fiona McMahon, Director of Quality and Safety Services. "The exceptional guidance and leadership from our Infection Preventionist Tatyana Makarevich, combined with the dedication of our physicians, nurses, environmental services staff, and support teams, has helped drive these outstanding patient safety outcomes. Every team member, every department, and every patient interaction plays a role in creating a safer hospital environment. These milestones belong to our entire team."
Looking Ahead
While celebrating these accomplishments, FWMC remains focused on continuous improvement. Patient safety is not a destination—it's an ongoing commitment.
As the hospital continues to expand services, improve quality outcomes, and strengthen its role as a trusted healthcare provider in southern Prince George's County, infection prevention will remain a cornerstone of its mission.
The milestones of 600 days without a CAUTI and 1,000 days without a C. diff infection represent more than numbers. They represent lives protected, complications prevented, and a healthcare team dedicated to delivering exceptional care every day.
For patients and families, that's something worth celebrating.
