Hospital tests its infant safety plan

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Newborns at Putnam County Hospital are safe.

The obstetrics (OB) division of the Putnam County Hospital reported they will be conducting "Code Pink" drills. A Code Pink is when an infant has been abducted.

Dr. Landi Halloran said, "Right now infants have feet tags that are matched with their mother's so if a baby is taken from the ward an alarm will sound."

The purpose of this drill is to keep the staff current with skills to prevent infant abduction.

Halloran also reported that beta-blocker therapy is being adopted. Beta-blockers are a heart medication for patients with an elevated cardiac risk. The patient would only qualify if their primary care doctor gives an OK for them.

It was also reported at the Hospital Board meeting that the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) will be conducting an unannounced inspection. This inspection happens regularly and is due to happen at PCH between now and October.

In other news:

* The construction on Radiology Room two is completed.

* The hospital does more than $1 million charity care a year.

* A new ultrasound machine will be purchased at a total cost of $44,192. This is a 45 percent discount.

* The board also approved the purchase of two refrigerators for the laboratory. These will be used for blood and blood products.

The Putnam County Hospital Board meets regularly the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Hospital Board Room. Their next meeting is set for Wednesday May 23.

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