Consumer Reports Recognizes Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center for Low Infection Rates in Article and Video

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (PSMEMC) is the featured facility in a Consumer Reports video published online this month about how patients can prevent hospital infections. The video is associated with an article about how well the country's 3,200 hospitals are doing to rein in infection.

"This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our associates and medical staff regarding patient safety," said PSMEMC President and CEO Martin Judd. "We are proud to know patients all over the world can watch this video and learn ways to keep themselves infection-free while they stay in a hospital."

In the video, PSMEMC associates and medical staff demonstrate to patients six ways they can prevent getting an infection at the hospital. Here is a summary of those steps:

Know the Hot Zones for Germs

1. High-touch areas such as bed rails
2. Intravenous (IV) fluid poles at the heads of the beds
3. Vital signs monitors
4. Computer monitors and keyboards

Ask if Catheters, Ventilators or Other Tubes can be Removed

1. Ask nurses or staff each day how long the tubes need to be attached

Say No to Razors

1. If you are being prepped for surgery, make sure the hospital uses an electric shaver
2. Razors cause skin breaks and abrasions creating a pathway for infection

Get Tested for MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

1. MRSA is a staph infection resistant to many antibiotics
2. Ask to be tested I the test is not routinely provided

Have Honest Conversations with Your Doctors

1. Don't hold back on communicating about health issues you are experiencing or questions about your treatment

Handwashing is Critical

1. The main method of spreading infection is through the hands
2. Clean hands often
3. Ask staff if they washed their hands before giving care

In data obtained by Consumer Reports from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015, PSMEMC scored the best-in-class in avoiding bloodstream and surgical-site infections. PSMEMC also scored better than average in avoiding MRSA and C. difficile infections.