Tidelands Health hospitals earn awards for patient safety

Dec. 10, 2024 

Contact: Dawn Bryant 

Tidelands Health  
(843) 652-1636 

dbryant@tidelandshealth.org 

News for Immediate Release: 

Tidelands Health hospitals earn awards for patient safety 

Tidelands Health hospitals again have earned recognition from the South Carolina Hospital Association for outstanding performance in patient safety. 

Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital earned multiple Zero Harm Awards, which are given to hospitals that record extended periods without preventable hospital-acquired infections in common categories and procedures. The data is independently verified by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. 

Tidelands Georgetown earned awards for having zero surgical site infections for knee and hip replacements, colon surgery and abdominal hysterectomy. Tidelands Waccamaw earned awards for zero surgical site infections for colon surgeries and abdominal hysterectomies. Both hospitals also earned recognition for preventing central line associated blood-borne infections. 

Tidelands Georgetown and Tidelands Waccamaw also earned the Drive to Zero Suicide Award, which is given to facilities that incorporate behavioral health strategies into patient safety and quality efforts. These strategies include specific training, policy enhancement, safety planning, screening and formal coordination with local mental health resources.  

“At Tidelands Health, our priority is always patient safety and care,” said Dr. Phil Dulberger, executive vice president and chief physician executive. “The recognition earned through the South Carolina Hospital Association’s Zero Harm Awards is a testament to the commitment of our team members to provide high-quality care using the latest evidence-based practices.” 

In collaboration with The Duke Endowment and The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Health, SCHA launched its Zero Harm Awards a decade ago to recognize hospitals throughout the state that are on the forefront of preventing medical errors. The program has expanded through the years with additional awards, including the Drive to Zero Suicide Award to address the rising number of suicides in the U.S.   

“The Zero Harm program is a prime example of a successful partnership between the public and private sector that improves the quality of life of 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. Zero Harm Award winners are an inspiration to all hospitals across the state striving to provide measurably safe care for every patient.” 

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About Tidelands Health 

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.