Florida Hospital Waterman, Where you get safer surgical care!

In a new study released by Consumer Reports, Florida Hospital Waterman received the second highest surgical safety rating. This national magazine gathered data from over 2,400 hospitals nationwide to categorize hospital’s based on their ability to avoid adverse events during a patient’s hospital stay for surgery. Among the 144 hospitals that were included in the study from the state of Florida, Florida Hospital Waterman was ranked in the top 13%. The ratings were developed to help consumers compare hospitals in their area and make well informed health care decisions.

Earlier this month Florida Hospital Waterman was also recognized by the Florida Surgical Care Initiative, a collaboration between the Florida Hospital Association and the American College of Surgeons, for the type of overreaching efforts that have landed them in this top safety percentile. The Florida Surgical Initiative recognized the Florida Hospital Waterman at their annual conference for successfully implementing new peri-operative surgical protocols. The protocol requires the patients’ blood glucose level to be tested and controlled before elective surgery, as well as during and after the procedure. By going beyond the standard practice and testing the glucose level before surgery the medical staff can catch and treat high blood sugar and avoid future hospitalization due to uncontrolled diabetes. “Blood sugar levels play an important role in the healing process,” said Kathy Forsyth, Manager of PeriAnesthesia Services . “Our new surgical protocols reduce readmission and infection rates leading to shorter hospital stays and improved healing.” Previously, only the ICU was equipped to treat patients needing continuous glucose monitoring and IV insulin. Now, multiple medical and surgical floors are set up with the necessary technology and trained nurses. “We’ve seen a culture change among our staff and physicians,” said Nadine Bobick, Director of Surgical Services. “Everyone is aware of the way blood sugar affects healing and susceptibility to infection.”

To learn more about Florida Hospital Waterman’s top rated surgical services visit our website
or call 352-253-3388.