The Kane Regional Center at Glen Hazel has been selected as a finalist for the second annual Fine Awards for Teamwork Excellence in Health Care. Kane Glen Hazel’s submission “Hand Washing Initiative” addressed an infection control issue that is even more relevant today as facilities nationwide deal with preventative issues pertaining to H1N1 and other viruses.

“Kane Glen Hazel is honored to be among the finalists for the Fine Award,” said Mary Stevens, Administrator at Kane Glen Hazel. “We are proud of our team for its hard work and attention to detail involving the Hand Washing Initiative. Our team worked well together and the results of the initiative are important to the everyday care of our residents.”

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with the Fine Foundation, recognizes high-performing healthcare teams whose achievements help decrease waste, error or poor care. The award encourages the essential teamwork needed by spotlighting people who make a difference.

The Fine Award winners will be announced at an awards presentation on Nov. 17.

Kane Glen Hazel’s 25-person team will be eligible to receive one of three awards: Gold --$25,000 divided equally among team members, and $5,000 to the corresponding healthcare organization or practice; Silver -- $15,000 divided equally among team members; and Bronze -- $10,000 divided equally among team members.

Kane Glen Hazel operates two 45-bed secure specialty care units for both long-term and short-term residents. In the first quarter of 2008, the facility’s routine infection control reports showed slightly increased rates of communicable soft tissue infections at the two specialty units. An action plan was developed and implemented, focusing on proper hand cleaning for both residents and staff.

The results revealed that the Hand Washing Initiative reduced rates of communicable infections. Team members also effectively reduced costs related to diagnosis and treatment.
    
Kane Glen Hazel team leaders on the Hand Washing Initiative included: Candy Mulholland, RN, Kane Regional Center Infection Control Specialist; Teresa White, RN, Director of Nursing; Joseph Davis, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing; Natalie Lund, Manager of Purchasing Services; and Tamika Hornezes, RN, Resident Care Coordinator on Secure Specialty Unit.

The team also included: Rhonda Hutter, RN; Linda Garett, LPN; Benjamin McKenzie, LPN; Tracy Cook, LPN; Norma Buckner, CAN; Roxanne Jones, CNA; Deneen Johnson-Williams, CNA; Nancy Crawford, CNA; Donna Voltko, CNA; Carmen Jones, CNA; Coretta Branch, CNA; Yvonne Parhetta, TR Aide; Albert Pantone, TR Therapist; Andrew Keebler, Housekeeper; Anthony Barr, Housekeeper; Vicki Garbett, Housekeeper; and Stephen Harper, Housekeeper.

For more information, contact Kane Glen Hazel Administrator Mary Stevens at (412) 422-6800.