Hunterdon Medical Center (HMC) receives the VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence.  

VHA Inc., a national health care alliance, has recognized Hunterdon Medical Center at its National Leadership Conference in Denver Colorado on May 20, 2007 for providing excellent care to patients in its Intensive Care Unit. Hunterdon Medical Center was one of 35 hospitals nationwide to be recognized for preventing blood stream infections and exceeding national performance standards.. 

Inspired by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement “100,000 live campaign,” HMC engaged DeBaylo Associates to guide a project team as they addressed Central Line Bacteremias. When the team began, the process for inserting and maintaining central lines was running at 3.3. Infections per 1000 central line days, which equated to 6 infections per year. This not only led to increased morbidity, but cost $40,000 per infection, or $240,000 in 2005. By applying Lean and Six Sigma methodology, the number of infection so far in 2007 has been reduced to zero.  

Two major lessons were learned. The first is that Lean/Six Sigma can work in a clinical Hospital environment. The team was able to focus on the intrinsic details that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Second, resistance to change can be overcome through some friendly persistence. Recognition of a job well done was also a key is gaining acceptance of the proposed changes.  

For more details read the associated case study Hunterdon Medical Center – Case Study 1