Board reviews quality, long-term care updates and infection-prevention practices

The board reviewed multiple quality and clinical-operation items affecting patient safety and long-term care.

Long-term care committee reported purchase and imminent installation of a new fall-prevention system expected early next year, procurement of equipment to protect staff when handling heavy patients, and a volunteer-supported Thanksgiving event that served about 50 guests. The committee flagged winter respiratory illnesses as a risk to resident visitation and community exposure.

Quality committee updates covered pharmacy operations, incident reporting and transition-of-care improvements between the emergency department, hospital and home-health services; staff said they are tracking same-day access for acute clinic visits and adding a second occupational therapist to address a growing rehab waiting list.

Infection prevention was discussed in the context of a recent RSV outbreak. Rachel’s report noted masking precautions after a resident tested positive; Jennifer Breiner clarified that, for RSV, unit-wide masking remains in place until there are no new positives for two weeks after the last case, at which point masks may be removed.

The board also heard that behavioral health integration — including a telepsych program supported by a mental health trust grant — remains a priority, and staff continue to look for partners to expand services.

Next steps: implement the fall-prevention system, onboard additional therapy staff, maintain infection-control protocols during respiratory season and continue efforts to expand behavioral-health services.