I congratulate our entire Patient Care Services team on a job well done throughout the last year. I would like to specifically note your work in ensuring a safe environment for our patients. This has long been and continues to be a priority for BWH and Partners.

I have the opportunity to be part of the WalkRounds, which are weekly rounds designated to patient safety and conducted by the hospital’s Patient Safety Team. Each week, one of the members of BWH senior management participates in these valuable rounds. Other BWH leaders and I are able to hear suggestions from nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other staff, who all share their views on patient safety, often highlighting what works or what needs improvement from an operational standpoint. At these sessions, I am pleased that nurses provide helpful feedback for us to tailor BWH’s improvement efforts to better meet the needs of the staff in the Tower and other areas of the hospital.

With the help of SureMed and our computerized order entry system, BWH continues to set a standard of excellence in patient safety. However, I understand that it is the accuracy and performance of the caregivers behind the tools that also help to drive our safety priorities forward. The extra steps that you take as a team to ensure the safety of the patients in the Tower, OR, Emergency Department and our ambulatory settings are impressive. I commend your efforts and look forward to hearing more from you on this topic during WalkRounds.

In the following issue of BWH Nurse, I’d like to draw your attention to the “ADE Monitor Team Receives ISMP Cheers Award” on page 3, which further underscores the institution’s commitment to patient safety.

Sincerely,

Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN
Vice President, Patient Care Services
Chief Nursing Officer