Readers,
When I was researching my story about the reduction of infection rates at Harrison Medical Center on Friday, I called the Washington State Hospital Association. I wanted to know whether Harrison’s experience was typical among hospitals — if putting infection rates out there in front of the public four times a year actually did result in hospitals improving their performance.
I didn’t hear back from the hospital association in time — employees there were on a retreat. Today, spokeswoman Cassie Sauer called to say that yes, indeed, infection rates among hospitals generally have fallen in the few years the information has been more readily available to the public. She said Harrison’s dramatic improvement in such a short period of time was exceptional, however. I’ll continue to check up regularly on the rates.
Here’s Saturday’s story:
Rachel Pritchett
P.S. Many of you have been asking about any update on Harrison’s discussions to affiliate. I have nothing new at this point. I expect an announcement this fall, perhaps October. — Rachel
