Innovators honored with HIC awards

We are pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Infection Control Innovation Awards, a contest sponsored by Hospital Infection Control to recognize and honor infection prevention through best practices and grass-roots applications. The awards include a certificate recognizing the recipient, a $1,000 cash prize for first place, and $500 for second place in each category. One honorable mention award was given in each category, with honorees receiving a certificate and a 2001 edition of Physicians Desk Reference (PDR).

Look for complete coverage of the winning entries in a three-part series beginning in the November 2001 issue of Hospital Infection Control.

The 2001 winners in our three categories are:

Protecting Patients

First Place: Teresa Garrison, RN, MSN, CIC
Infection Control Manager
Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis

A novel ventilator-associated pneumonia education program cuts infection rates and costs in half.

Second Place: Darcy Koch, RN
Infection Control Professional
Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Crystal City, MO

An educational video uses humor and a surprise ending to open the eyes of health care workers.

Honorable Mention: Lanette Rhodes, RN
Infection Control Practitioner
Winchester (VA) Medical Center

The "isolation caddy" ensures supplies are on hand and improves compliance.

Protecting Health Care Workers

First Place: Joanne Hudson, RN, CIC
former Manager of Occupational Health/Infection Control (retired)
Clearfield (PA) Hospital

"Latex Lucy" spreads the word about allergic reactions.

Second Place: Jodene Payne, RN
Director of Infection Control and Employee Health
University Medical Center, Lubbock, TX

An infection control "representative" program reduces employee exposures.

Honorable Mention: Catherine Jackson RN, BSN, CIC
Infection Control Coordinator
Armstrong County Memorial Hospital
Kittanning, PA

A sharps container that opens with a touch of the foot.

Preserving Antibiotic Efficacy

First Place: Mary Neuman, RN, BSN, MM, CIC
Infection Control Program Manager
St. Mary’s Mercy Medical Center
Grand Rapids, MI

A team effort decreases antibiotic resistance by identifying patients, educating care providers and targeting use of key drugs.

Second Place: Laura Hoogestraat, RN
Infection Control Coordinator
Faith Regional Medical Center
Norfolk, NE

Closing communication gaps between physicians, lab and pharmacy ensures judicious antibiotic use.

Honorable Mention: Dianne Reves, LPN II
Infection Control Surveillance Officer
Grenada (MS) Lake Medical Center

Sounding the alarm on inappropriate prescribing.