Title
Proclamation recognizing Allegheny General Hospital for being honored at the Chasing Zero Summit.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is home to world-class healthcare institutions who consistently demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, on September 10, 2008, Allegheny General Hospital was honored at the Chasing Zero Summit, a national summit on hospital-acquired infections that is held annually in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny General was honored for the diligence it has shown in nearly eradicating central-line bloodstream infections from the hospital, an infection that affects nearly 250,000 hospital patients across the nation each year; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the life-saving benefits of the prevention of central-line infections, it is estimated that an average of $14,500 is saved at the hospital per infection; and
WHEREAS, through mandatory education and training of those who insert the lines, new guidelines for the use of central lines, and weekly “bug meetings” to review all infections that have surfaced in the hospital each week, Allegheny General has exhibited an exemplary devotion to protecting the health of its patients; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council hereby commends Allegheny General Hospital for its efforts to dramatically reduce the number of central-line bloodstream infections in its patients. Furthermore, we congratulate the staff of Allegheny General for earning the distinguished honor of being recognized at the 2008 Chasing Zero Summit.