Charleston VA recognized as one of South Carolina’s safest hospitals

This year’s 10 awards include zero harm in hospital-onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; prevention of surgical site infections in hip replacement and colon surgery; pressure injury prevention; and prevention of central line–associated bloodstream infections in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and four inpatient medical-surgical units (3BN, 4A, 4BN and 4BS). The health system also earned a Priority Award for Suicide Prevention.

“Our Veterans trust us with their lives. Zero Harm is how we honor that trust,” said Scott Isaacks, director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. “These awards reflect thousands of moments each day when teams follow checklists, speak up for safety and do the right thing for patients. I am proud of our people and grateful to our Veterans for allowing us to serve them.”

Zero Harm recognition is awarded when a facility maintains verified periods with no preventable harm in specific measures. At Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS, that work is grounded in daily review, vigilant monitoring and strong frontline engagement, said Carla Dyke-Forbes an infection preventionist.

“Reaching zero requires daily surveillance for MRSA, using appropriate isolation precautions and closely monitoring devices like urinary catheters, central lines and ventilators,” Dyke-Forbes said. “We work closely with frontline staff and nursing leadership, so device care is appropriate, timely and based on best practices.”

She said progress is driven by communication and shared accountability.

“We maintain open communication across care teams, so potential risks are identified early and addressed quickly,” she said. “When everyone understands the plan and the expectations for care, we prevent problems before they start.”

Frontline staff play a central role.

“Staff maintain the awareness and competence needed to carry out safe practices every day,” Dyke-Forbes said. “We monitor outcomes, share what we learn and adjust our processes whenever we see an opportunity to improve.”

That commitment is especially critical for surgical patients.
“For our surgical patients, Zero Harm starts long before they reach the operating room,” said Melissa Harrelson, director of Quality and Patient Safety. “From the moment a Veteran is scheduled for surgery, our teams begin planning to prevent complications such as infections or device-related harm. That attention continues for months after the procedure, with follow-up, education and monitoring that help ensure a safe and successful recovery.”

The awards also highlight work beyond infection prevention. The Priority Award for Suicide Prevention recognizes collaboration among clinical services, mental health, primary care and community partners to identify risk early and respond quickly when Veterans need help.

The awards also highlight work beyond infection prevention. The Priority Award for Suicide Prevention recognizes collaboration among clinical services, mental health, primary care and community partners to identify risk early and respond quickly when Veterans need help.

“Receiving the Priority Award for Suicide Prevention is both an honor and a reminder of why we do this important work,” said Jennifer Wray, Suicide Prevention Coordinator. “It means that our collective effort to create hope, connection, and safety for those in crisis is making a real impact. It also tells the community and the Veterans that we serve that suicide prevention is a key focus and priority for our facility.”

Wray emphasized the importance of training and proactive outreach. “We ensure that all staff, clinical and non-clinical, are trained to recognize when someone is in crisis and how to get them assistance. We follow detailed policies for screening, risk assessment, safety planning, and lethal means safety counseling. We also partner with community organizations to ensure they know how to identify suicide risk and connect Veterans to VA care.”

She added that the team’s work is deeply personal and Veteran-centered. “We provide follow-up for Veterans who have contacted the Veterans Crisis Line, and we work with them and their families to create personalized safety plans. This recognition reflects the collective dedication of VA employees, community partners, Veterans, and their families who are united in the mission of saving lives.”

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” Wray said. “Through connection, care, and compassion, we can help every Veteran find hope and purpose.”

Sustaining results year after year takes consistency, transparency and continuous improvement.

“We stay focused by reviewing our performance regularly, talking openly about what is working and adjusting when something is not,” Dyke-Forbes said. “That is how you sustain zero.”

The health care system will be recognized with other awardees at the South Carolina Hospital Association’s annual meeting in December.

“What matters most is what these results mean for Veterans,” Dyke-Forbes said. “Trust grows when care is safe and effective, and outcomes meet or exceed expectations.”

Isaacks said the team remains committed to that mission.

“We celebrate this achievement and then get back to work,” he said. “Our goal is no harm, every patient, every day. We will keep investing in our people, listening to our Veterans and strengthening the systems that keep them safe.”