Ideas That Work: Patient Safety

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health system shut down three facilities to protect them from the coronavirus. When those facilities reopened for elective surgeries, they were designated COVID-free areas — all staff members and patients must test negative for the virus before entering them. Those who do receive a green Tyvek wristband (the kind you might get at a concert, bar or amusement park) with our coronavirus preparedness campaign's hashtag printed on it (#LVHNCovidStrong). Some members of our surgical staff place the bands around their identification badges so they can still practice good hand hygiene. Patients have told us they appreciate seeing the bands worn throughout the facilities and take comfort in knowing they symbolize the efforts our health system has made to keep them safe during their stays.

Louann Newman, RN, MSN
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Allentown, Pa.
[email protected]