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Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Canonsburg Hospital today announced it has been recognized by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) for a two-year-long endeavor that reduced hospital-acquired pressure injuries among its patients. HAP leadership will formally recognize the hospital’s core team with the “In Safe Hands Award” at the organization’s annual Leadership Summit this month. 

Annually, about 2.5 million people nationwide develop pressure-related injuries while hospitalized. Pressure injuries – also known as bed sores or pressure ulcers – are associated with longer lengths of stay, higher rates of readmission and increased mortality, in severe cases. 

One recent study suggested that hospital-acquired pressure sores cost the U.S. health care system $27 billion annually, and contribute to 60,000 annual patient deaths.

“By focusing on early identification, comprehensive prevention strategies, and a collaborative approach, this core team significantly reduced the risk of preventable pressure-related injuries for our patients and improved their overall experience while in our care,” said Joy Peters, AHN Canonsburg Hospital’s chief nursing officer. “Our team's dedication to patient safety and innovative, quality-driven methods has resulted in this incredible achievement.”

As a result of this team’s efforts, the hospital-acquired pressure injury rate at AHN Canonsburg decreased by 37.7% over a two-year period, while identification of wounds present at the time of hospital admission increased.

The hospital's successful initiative to reduce pressure injuries involved:

• Multidisciplinary Review and Oversight Team: A dedicated team of nurses, therapists (physical, speech, and occupational), patient safety experts, clinical educators, operations specialists, and quality division members who met on a weekly/monthly basis.
• Weekly Risk Assessments: Proactive reviews of at-risk patients using the Braden Scale – which looks at sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition and friction – to identify and address potential issues early. Biweekly assessments were conducted on the entire inpatient census, as well.
• Dual Nurse Skin Checks: Implementation of a double-check system to ensure thorough skin assessments on hospitalized patients for the duration of their stay.
• Enhanced Education and Training: Comprehensive education and training programs for all appropriate hospital staff on pressure injury identification, prevention and wound management.
• Individualized Care Plans: Development of unit-specific action plans, which were subsequently integrated into patients’ electronic health records to ensure consistent, accountable and coordinated care.

The “In Safe Hands” Award will recognize AHN Canonsburg team members Kendra Carlson, Jamie Price, Abigail Hebb, Beckie Lemley, Courtney Acampora, Colleen Glozzer, Ryan Hucks, Kerry McCorkle, Tara Gahagan, Michele Hricik, Maggie Matthews and Kristen Veenstra. 

Started in 1978, HAP’s annual Achievement Awards program recognizes hospitals and health systems that are employing innovative approaches to strengthening the safety and quality of care, enhancing operations and patients’ experience, and partnering with their communities to address public health needs. Canonsburg’s initiative was one of 12 recognized by HAP through its 2025 Achievement Awards. 

“The 2025 HAP Achievement Award winners represent innovative, outstanding projects that are focused on patients,” HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings said. “Hospitals are the heart of Pennsylvania communities and work both within and outside their walls to strengthen health.”

This year’s winners were selected from 108 entries.

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