Continuous Improvement Earns CHRISTUS Hospital an ‘A’ Safety Grade

CHRISTUS Health now has intensive care specialists who can bring a higher level of expertise to the ICU through an internet connection, video chat and a portable computer.

Intensivists often are missing from rural hospitals. But at CHRISTUS Health, these specialists discuss care details with you and your care team, similar to specialists in a large city.

The difference is that these doctors are brought to your bedside through a secure computer system.

We improved care by adding tele intensivists who can discuss care with you and your care team, said Reuben Murray, CEO of CHRISTUS Hospital. CHRISTUS Health is on a journey to continuously improve your safety and your experience at your community hospital, right here in Alamogordo.

From these continuous improvements, CHRISTUS Health received an A grade from Leapfrog, a national hospital safety and quality transparency organization that measures patient safety and care standards.

An A for Better Care

Hospital leaders and care teams spent years reviewing national patient safety measures and improving processes that directly affect you.

We didn’t get an A because we added new technology, said Kerry Bolin, vice president of patient safety and quality and chief nursing officer at CHRISTUS Hospital. We got an A because we worked to improve your experience with better communication, better processes and better all-around care.

This work included strengthening medication safety, reducing patient falls, improving infection prevention and reinforcing hand hygiene throughout the hospital.

Safe staffing ratios, clear communication and involving you and your family in care decisions have also been key areas of focus.

Our nurses spend time explaining what’s happening and what to expect, Kerry said. Getting care can be scary, and good communication helps you feel safer and more involved in your care.

Clear Communication that Supports Healing

One practice that has made a difference is the bedside shift report. At every shift change, both the outgoing and incoming nurses meet in your room to review the plan of care with you and your family present.

It gives patients a voice, Kerry said. You know what’s happening, you can ask questions and nothing feels hidden or rushed.

Supporting Safe Recovery Close to Home

For you, safety and healing don’t end when a surgery or treatment plan is complete. Recovery begins with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, a set of evidence-based steps designed to help your body heal sooner and more safely before, during and after surgery.

This approach allows care teams, patients and families to prepare for recovery before surgery so you know what to expect and how to support healing at home.

Hospital leaders say earning an A grade reflects years of steady progress and an ongoing commitment to improving your care.

This is about continuously asking how we can do better for our community, Reuben said. It’s about meeting national standards while making sure you can receive safe, high-quality care right here in Alamogordo.