Perry, Iowa – Dallas County Hospital has been recognized by the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative with a Divisional Patient Safety Award for “Hospital Acquired Conditions – Opportunities to Reduce Patient Harm.” This award specifically recognizes the improved patient fall rates and initiatives implemented by Dallas County Hospital nurses and staff.

Dr. Tom Evans, President of the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, presented these inaugural Patient Safety awards at the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative Patient Safety Conference on March 7, 2012 at The Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.

Sally Swenson, BSN, MA, Inpatient Manager and Education Manager at Dallas County Hospital also presented at the conference on the hospital’s commitment to patient safety with improved patient fall rates. “At DCH the culture is that everyone has a role with fall prevention strategies,” said Swenson, “and with the focus on a safe environment for our patients DCH has reduced the fall rate from 8.84 per 1000 patient days in fiscal year 2009 to 0.72 per 1000 patient days in fiscal year 2011.”

Donna Vandehaar, Chief Clinical Officer at Dallas County Hospital, commended the DCH team for their focus on patient safety stating, “Dallas County Hospital is committed to providing the best outcome for every patient every time. The entire hospital team is engaged in asking how it can be prevented, what can be improved to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

Matt Wille, Dallas County Hospital CEO, congratulated the entire Dallas County Hospital team noting "I am extremely proud of the entire DCH team for the work and dedication they have put into improving our patient safety. It is an honor to receive this award and speaks to the sincere care and concern our employees give to each and every patient that walks through Dallas County Hospital’s doors.”

The Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (IHC) is a provider-led and patient-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare.