Patient Safety & Quality
Jersey Shore University Medical Center Health Care Associated Infections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, notes that on any given day, about one in 25 hospital patients in the United States has at least one infection acquired while in the hospital. This fact highlights the need for continued efforts to improve infection control in U.S. hospitals. To address this issue, Meridian has convened system-wide, multi-disciplinary teams to review our care processes. Our goal is zero infections, all the time.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
A catheter-associated urinary tract infection occurs when germs enter the urinary tract through the urinary catheter and cause infection. The information below shows Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent CAUTI
If you have a urinary catheter, you can take the following precautions to prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI): understand why the catheter is needed and ask your health care provider frequently if the catheter is still needed; if you have a long-term catheter, your health care provider must clean their hands before and after touching your catheter; check the position of the urine bag – it should always be below the level of the bladder; do not tug or pull on the tubing; and do not twist or kink the catheter tubing.
Clostridium Difficile Infections
Clostridium difficile colitis results from disruption of normal healthy bacteria in the colon, often from antibiotics. C. difficile can also be transmitted from person to person by spores. The information below shows Clostridium Difficile Infection ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent C. diff
You can make sure you avoid a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection by: making sure that all doctors, nurses, and other health care providers clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after caring for you; by only taking antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor; and by being sure to clean your own hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
CLABSI is a bloodstream infection in a patient with a central line at the time of (or within 48-hours prior to) the onset of symptoms and the infection is not related to an infection from another site. The information below shows Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent CLABSI
You can prevent Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) by: researching the hospital, if possible, to learn about its CLABSI rate; speaking up about any concerns so that your health care personnel are reminded to follow the best infection prevention practices; asking a health care provider if the central line is absolutely necessary; paying attention to the bandage and the area around it (if the bandage comes off or if the bandage or area around it is wet or dirty, tell a health care worker right away); by not getting the central line or the central line insertion site wet; by telling a health care worker if the area around the catheter is sore or red or if you have a fever or chills; by not letting any visitors touch the catheter or tubing; and you should avoid touching the tubing as much as possible, as well as make sure everyone visiting you washes their hands—before and after they visit.
Surgical Site Infections (SSI) Following Abdominal Hysterectomy
A surgical site infection occurs when germs (bacteria or other organisms) get into the surgical wound site, usually during or shortly after an operation. If enough germs reach the site they can start an infection. The information below shows Surgical Site Infections (SSI) Following Abdominal Hysterectomy ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent Surgical Site Infections (Hysterectomy)
After a hysterectomy, to reduce infection, make sure you do not use a douche, tampons, have sex, or return to work until your health care provider says it’s OK. Tell your health care provider immediately if you have any of these symptoms after your hysterectomy: fever or chills; redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the incision site(s); increased pain around the incision site(s); abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling; increased vaginal bleeding or other drainage; and/or leg pain.
Surgical Site Infections (SSI) from Colon Surgery
A surgical site infection occurs when germs (bacteria or other organisms) get into the surgical wound site, usually during or shortly after an operation. If enough germs reach the site they can start an infection. The information below shows Surgical Site Infections (SSI) from Colon Surgery ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent Surgical Site Infections (Colorectal Surgery)
After colorectal surgery, be sure to follow all of your physician’s orders to properly recover. If you experience one of the following symptoms after your colorectal surgery, contact your physician immediately: wound drainage, opening or redness (all three of these symptoms can indicate an infection); no bowel movement or a lack of gas/stool from an ostomy for more than 24 hours; high ostomy output and/or dark urine or no urine; increasing abdominal pain; vomiting; abdominal swelling; fever higher than 101.5 degrees F; and/or not being able to take anything by mouth for more than 24 hours.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections
MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. In a health care setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, MRSA can cause severe problems such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. The information below shows Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infection ratios (actual vs. expected) for Jersey Shore University Medical Center as compared to national and New Jersey ratios (January - December 2015), as well as the most recent ratios. Lower ratios are better.Partner with Us to Prevent MRSA
To protect against MRSA, make sure you carefully wash any scrapes, cuts, wounds, or injuries; use bandages when needed; wash hands often; use liquid soap rather than bar soap; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available; don’t share personal items; don’t touch sores; and be careful around hospitalized individuals.
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