With the ambitious goal to be among the safest healthcare systems in the country by the end of 2010, patient safety has become part of everyone's job description at HHC. But, every year, a few individuals and teams go above and beyond in providing a high standard of safe care, and are recognized for setting an example as patient safety champions.

The HHC 2010 Patient Safety Champion Award winners this year include a Harlem pediatric radiologist who finds ways to reduce the amount of radiation children receive when getting x-rays; a central Brooklyn hospital peace officer police detective, who speaks six languages, and stays alert to prevent potential threats to residents in his nursing home; and a Women's Health nurse in the Bronx who follows up carefully with patients tested for cervical cancer and sexual transmitted diseases to ensure they get prompt follow-up. And the team at Kings County Hospital received the top award for an innovative medication labeling system that prevents drug errors (See November edition of HHC TODAY, "Safety Alert for Look-Alike Sound-Alike Drugs."). Click here for a complete list of the 2010 Patient Safety Champions.

March 2010