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VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System Achieves Milestone in Infection Prevention

Team of VA Infection Prevention health professional posing in the hallway.
Team of VA Infection Prevention health professional posing in the hallway.

By John Archiquette, Public Affairs Specialist

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) has achieved a significant milestone in patient safety.

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) has achieved a significant milestone in patient safety.  The facility reported zero incidents of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) for two consecutive years, and no catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) for the past year. This is the first time VASNHS has achieved this milestone.

Becker’s 2025 Hospital Review[LC1] cited VASNHS as one of only two facilities in Nevada that are CLABSI-free, and one of 339 in the country. 

“This accomplishment underscores VASNHS’ commitment to infection prevention and control,” said Gelen Sutterfield, Infection Prevention and Control Program manager. “This is a feat for us due to the exemplary dedication of our front-line nurses and hospitalists, under the watchful eyes of our infection control team.” 

A critical factor in this achievement is the active involvement of leadership and staff in infection prevention efforts. Regular training sessions, adherence to infection control protocols, and continuous monitoring have fostered a culture of accountability and excellence. The facility’s leadership has prioritized infection prevention, ensuring that resources and support are available to sustain these efforts.

“The strong teamwork and unending compliance to standards and best practices among caregivers produced these commendable results for the best care and safety of our patients,” said Sutterfield. “This means daily tracers, review of orders for appropriateness, checking off of nursing bundles, commitment to zero harm, and embodying other high-reliability organization values and principles. Putting our Veterans first is the heart and soul of this accomplishment and continuing challenge.”

While celebrating this milestone, VASNHS remains dedicated to continuous improvement in patient safety. The facility plans to sustain its infection prevention efforts by regularly reviewing protocols, engaging in staff education, and leveraging data to inform practices. This ongoing commitment ensures that VASNHS continues to provide high-quality care to Veterans while maintaining the highest standards of infection control.