BCBS gives money to reduce hospital deaths
The Associated Press
Thursday, February 2, 2006
North Carolina's largest health insurer said Thursday it is giving $3 million to an effort by the state's hospitals to reduce the risk of patient deaths through improved care practices.
The money will be used by the Center for Hospital Quality and Patient Safety to analyze data and to hire trainers to coach health care workers, hospital association vice president Don Dalton said. The trade association created the center last year as part of a national effort to increase safety and efficiency in hospitals.
More than 100 North Carolina hospitals have pledged to implement nationally recognized quality improvement measures.
They include preventing pneumonia in patients who breath with the help of ventilators by elevating the head by 30 degrees. Infections of surgical wounds can be avoided by correct use of antibiotics and established procedures.
Blue Cross said the donation is part of its effort to lower health care costs and improve quality by preventing expensive medical complications.
"The push to improve overall quality and patient safety is the most important initiative in hospitals today," said Dr. Bill Atkinson, president and chief executive officer of WakeMed Health & Hospitals in Raleigh, one of the hospitals who joined the effort.