~ Kime Palmer, SEARHC
I am a Quality and Performance Improvement Manager at SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) as well as a wife and a mother of five.
Regulatory Demands for Patient Safety
I’m in the unique position to witness what takes place “behind the scenes” every day to ensure each patient receives safe, quality healthcare. I’m so proud to be part of an organization that makes patient safety everyone’s priority. One way we accomplish this is by being a Joint Commission accredited Critical Access Hospital which means we must meet the Conditions of Participation required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and meet the stringent standards of the Joint Commission. These regulatory bodies continuously monitor the care we provide and the outcomes.
Advancing Patient Safety
Patient Safety Awareness Week comes around in March each year and is a time to reflect on all of the positive changes made in advancing patient safety and to be cognizant of the work still left to do because even one patient harmed, is one too many. I love working to improve healthcare delivery and safety for our patients and the communities I serve. I’m so fortunate to work with the many dedicated and caring professionals here at SEARHC.
You Play a Role in Your Healthcare
As a patient and a healthcare professional, I encourage everyone to be an active participant in their healthcare: ask questions, communicate with your healthcare providers and be proactive. You are a vital member of your healthcare team, and your involvement is key to good health.