WellSpan Health recognized with Achievement Award for innovative efforts addressing patient safety
YORK, PA
(Feb. 28, 2023) – WellSpan’s award-winning care has once again been recognized by the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). The healthsystem received the “In Safe Hands” 2023 HAP Achievement Award for a systemwide implementation of real-time problem solving, known as Lean, to address patient safety.
WellSpan’s organizational emphasis on providing high-quality, safe care led to a 45% reduction in what are considered “serious events” from WellSpan’s fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2022. That same time period also saw a 97% increase in safety event reporting to address issues as they arise.
“To achieve these sorts of improvements in such a short time is a monumental step for any healthsystem, but to do so during the global COVID-19 pandemic shows the care and thought these team members have put in to making these aspirations a reality,” said Dr. Michael Seim, senior vice president and chief quality officer, WellSpan Health. “Deploying these problem-solving techniques on the front lines of clinical care and sharing these learnings and insights across the system has advanced the organization’s mission to be a trusted partner to our patients, so that they always feel safe when in our care.”
WellSpan has put significant organizational emphasis on this innovative thinking, implementing WellSpan’s Lean Management System during the pandemic to help all 20,000 team members take an active role in finding a better way to address issues as they arise. The initiative internally is known as “Zero Harm,” cultivating a culture of psychological safety. The system makes use of data to drive change, escalation protocols for team members to speak up when they see an issue, and in turn expand our capabilities to delivery exceptional care and positive experiences for our patients.
“WellSpan’s quality and safety team as well as our performance improvement team are committed to continuous improvement in this important work,” added Seim. “We have seen the results and we know these initiatives are making a difference for our patients.”
To learn more about HAP’s Awards, visit www.HAPOnline.org.
To learn more about WellSpan’s quality and safety initiatives, visit www.WellSpan.org/Quality.
About WellSpan Health
WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,000 employed providers, 220 locations, eight award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving South Central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. With a team 20,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 2,600 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest. 