The South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) awarded 21 Certified Zero Harm Awards to Novant Health’s South Carolina hospitals in 2024. Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Hospital, and East Cooper Medical Center were recognized for commitment to patient care and safety.
SCHA created the Zero Harm program in collaboration with both The Duke Endowment and The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Health. This initiative supports statewide efforts to create a culture of high reliability and reduce harm in health care facilities.
“To earn these awards, hospitals must avoid or eliminate specific hospital-acquired infections, and that data is independently verified by the state health department,” said Monica Davis, director of clinical quality improvement for East Cooper Medical Center. “Our patients trust us to protect them and help them get healthier when they’re in the hospital, and these awards prove how hard our team works to create the safest environment.”
These awards underscore the dedication of team members to safety, which has effectively reduced some of the most prevalent medical errors in health care today, with a focus on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and surgical site infections (SSI).
The awards are:
Hilton Head Hospital
SSI – Knee Replacement
SSI – Hip Replacement
Pressure Injury
CLABSI – Intensive Care Unit
CLABSI – Acute Care Unit
Coastal Carolina Hospital
Hospital onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
SSI – Hip Replacement
SSI – Colon Surgery
SSI – Abdominal Hysterectomy
Pressure Injury
CLABSI – Medical/Surgical
CLABSI – Intensive Care Unit
East Cooper Medical Center
Hospital onset MRSA
SSI – Knee Replacement
SSI – Hip Replacement
SSI – Colon Surgery
SSI – Abdominal Hysterectomy
CLABSI – ICU
CLABSI – Medical Surgical Unit
CLABSI – Rehab
Drive to Zero Workplace Violence
“Creating safe facilities requires commitment every day from our health care team, from medical providers to the environmental services staff. We’re proud of our dedicated employees across South Carolina. Patients know they’re safe in our care,” said Dawn Ojeda, market director for clinical quality improvement at Novant Health Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.
“The Zero Harm program is a prime example of a successful partnership between the public and private sector that improves the quality of life in South Carolina,” said Melanie Matney, chief operating officer of SCHA and president of the SCHA Foundation. “As medical errors continue to be a major concern across the country, South Carolina has developed a blueprint for reducing avoidable harm in our health care facilities that other states can follow.
“Zero patient harm is possible only if physicians, clinical and support staff members work together to support a culture of high reliability,” Matney said. “Zero Harm Award winners are an inspiration to all hospitals across the state striving to provide measurably safe care for every patient.”
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The network includes more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more, visit NovantHealth.org.
