Allegheny Health Network Monroeville Ambulatory Surgery Team Recognized by Patient Safety Authority
Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Monroeville Ambulatory Surgery Center team has been recognized by the Patient Safety Authority with its 2022 I AM Patient Safety achievement award in the Ambulatory Surgery/Care Division. AHN is one of 10 healthcare networks from across Pennsylvania recognized for its ambulatory surgery capabilities, outcomes and commitment to patient safety. More than 125 centers were evaluated for the 2022 honor.
Since its inception in 2013, the I AM Patient Safety awards have honored hundreds of programs and individuals taking action to positively impact patient safety. Judged by a cross-section of national and regional healthcare executives and patient advocates from the government and higher education sectors, the I AM Patient Safety awards recognize programs that demonstrate innovation, impact, sustainability and scalability as well as inclusion of the patient in the initiative.
Once Jesse Hixson, Director of Nursing for the AHN Monroeville Ambulatory Surgery Center learned about the problem, he launched an expansive survey of surgeons across AHN and found that many from various facilities were experiencing similar issues. When the problem was brought to the attention of leadership, the network moved to a new brand of suture that has proven to be problem-free.
“Thanks to Dr. Purnell’s and Jesse’s vigilance and commitment to the safety of our patients, this issue was identified, confirmed, then swiftly resolved,” said Maloney. “Together, they exemplify the culture across the AHN Ambulatory Surgery Centers, with every team member playing a critical role in helping to drive safe, high-quality patient care—doctors, nurses and everyone who works here in any capacity.”
AHN’s surgery centers routinely score top marks for patient satisfaction, largely due to the proficiency, camaraderie and compassion demonstrated by the care team, which patients see—and feel, Maloney said. “The goal is that each and every patient who chooses our surgery program feels as though they are the only one receiving the care and attention of the entire surgical team.”
“Patients who entrust their surgical care to AHN have the right to expect they will receive it in the safest manner possible, and our ASC staff treat that expectation with great respect,” said Dr. Sricharan Chalikonda, Chief of Clinical Operations and chair of the Surgical Institute for AHN. “They are very deserving of this award and should be proud of the outstanding work they do and the difference they make in the lives of our patients.”
“Even amidst the pandemic, there are innumerable healthcare professionals who remain focused on speaking up, transforming the system, and making changes to improve patient outcomes,” said Patient Safety Authority Executive Director Regina Hoffman. “This is an opportunity to applaud and honor those who care so deeply that they take positive action, no matter how difficult or challenging the circumstances.”
About the Patient Safety Authority
Established under the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act of 2002, the PSA, an independent state agency, collects and analyzes patient safety data to improve safety outcomes and help prevent patient harm. http://patientsafety.pa.gov/
About the Allegheny Health Network:
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
