The James H. Quillen VA Medical Celebrates Milestone Achievement: Zero Patient Falls in January for our C2 Inpatient Unit!

Accomplishments included zero patient falls on its C2 inpatient unit for January 2025, and the CLC-1 was the recipient of the Humpty Dumpty Award for having the lowest fall rate in the facility for the first Quarter of FY25. 

This achievement reflects the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, safe care to all patients. Falls are a leading cause of injury among hospitalized patients, often resulting in serious consequences such as fractures, head injuries, and even death. The Joint Commission, a national organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations, has identified fall prevention as a top priority for hospitals.

"We are incredibly proud of our C2 & CLC-1 units for achieving these remarkable milestones," said Angela “Hope” Ledford, Interim Associate Director, Primary Care Services. "This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who are committed to providing the safest possible environment for our patients."
 

The C2 unit has implemented a comprehensive fall prevention program that includes:
- Thorough fall risk assessments for all patients
- Individualized care plans to address specific fall risks
- Regular safety rounds to identify and eliminate potential hazards
- Staff education and training on fall prevention strategies
- Use of assistive devices and equipment as needed

"Our fall prevention program is a team effort," said Jennifer Stuart,  Chief Nurse. "We work closely with our patients and their families to ensure everyone is involved in preventing falls. We also empower our staff to speak up if they see something that could be a fall risk."

JHQVAMC is committed to providing a safe and healing environment for all patients. The achievement of zero patient falls on the C2 unit is a significant step towards this goal.