Alameda County Medical Center's Highland OB Department Earns Prestigious Award

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alameda County Medical Center's (ACMC) Highland Hospital Obstetrics department has been recognized by the BETA Healthcare Group with its 2011 Quest for Zero preventable errors initiative award. BETA Healthcare, the largest insurer of hospital professional liability coverage in California, brings together obstetricians, nurse midwives and nurses for a new standard in patient safety. The Highland OB department is one of only 14 elite hospitals in the state to be given this award for completing all elements of BETA's annual OB Patient Safety Program.

The perinatal team received the 100% compliance award based on closer collaboration, and practicing the newest techniques for risk management in several key areas thereby promoting the best outcomes for Highland maternity patients.

"We are tremendously pleased to receive this recognition. It is a clear demonstration of the quality and level of care delivered by our dedicated OB physicians and nurses," said Wright Lassiter, Chief Executive Officer.  "The BETA award affirms that Bright Beginnings Family Birthing Center at Highland  is the perfect place to make the birth of a baby a special and safe event."

Highland's physician and nursing teams participated in more than 18 hours of e-learning focused on electronic fetal monitoring and analysis, team communication strategies and emergency management in labor and delivery. As they progressed through the continuing education program, clearer staff communications strengthened the bonds of the team and ensured that patients received the highest quality of care in the safest environment.

"Our Maternal Child Services team is top quality," said Kim Horton, Chief Nurse Executive.  "I am very proud of what has been achieved. The education and collaboration of this process further enhances the quality of care and overall experience of the parents and babies who begin a new life chapter at ACMC."

Now in its third year, BETA's OB Patient Safety Program establishes a new standard in perinatal safety among its member hospitals.

About Alameda County Medical Center

Alameda County Medical Center has six campuses located throughout Alameda County including Highland Hospital in Oakland as a regional trauma center; Fairmont Hospital for rehabilitation and skilled nursing care and the John George Psychiatric Pavilion both located in San Leandro. www.acmedctr.org

Alameda County Medical Center Press Contact:
Mike Clinebell
AMF Media Group
925 790 2639
[email protected]

SOURCE Alameda County Medical Center