HUTCHINSON — Infections have been described as public enemy number one at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and a recent report issued by Hospital Compare, part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirms that our constant efforts are producing positive results. 

A column in Consumer Reports states the public would like to assume that hospitals are sterile safety zones but, in truth, health-care facilities are ground zero for the invasion of disease causing bacteria that may be life threatening and difficult to stop. Hutch Regional takes this fight seriously and we are producing positive results. 

The Hospital Compare report shows that Hutch Regional is 83 percent below the state average and 80 percent below the national average in instances of intestinal infections and 30 percent below the state average and 31 percent below the national average in urinary tract infections. Fighting bloodstream infections is a high priority and Hutch Regional ranks 2 percent below the state average and slightly above national figures in the success rate of accomplishing that objective. A total of 18 percent more patients receive appropriate care at HRMC for severe sepsis and septic shock compared to the state average while 23 percent more patients receive appropriate care as compared to the national average. 

Also, there have been no Cath Lab related infections at Hutch Regional for more than a year nor have there been any blood infections caused by MRSA for the past 14 months. No hip and knee related infections have been reported for the past 27 months and 17 months respectively. 

Hutch Regional has intensified its efforts to maintain the highest standards for infection control. Goals involve employees at all levels alongside patients, families and loved ones who visit the hospital: 

• Staff installed machines to de-contaminate rooms.

• Lab technicians are specially trained and equipped to rapidly diagnose infections so that patients dealing with infections can be transferred to other parts of the hospitals to isolate them from the general population. 

• Strict hygiene is maintained for Hutch Regional employees, physicians and visitors.

• The hospital holds regular meetings with physicians and staff to brainstorm new strategies to combat and reduce infections.