40°F
weather icon Clear

Hospital recognized for innovative antibiotic program

Boulder City Hospital recently received national recognition for using an innovative process to improve patients’ health.

The hospital was recognized by the National Rural Health Resource Center and Nevada Flex Program for using telehealth — utilizing telecommunication technologies for long-distance contact — for its antibiotic stewardship program. It was awarded a Critical Access Hospital Recognition certificate.

Arleen Sheeler, a registered nurse and risk manager for the hospital, said they were able to work with educators at the University of Nevada, Reno’s school of medicine to help physicians, staff and the community understand better antibiotic use.

According to Sheeler, when antibiotics were first used in the medical industry, it was obvious they were saving lives. But, through the years, their overuse caused the “mean” bacteria that caused infections to get “meaner.” Today, through their stewardship program, they consider whether an antibiotic is necessary and will it be helpful before administering or prescribing it to the patient.

Sally Buck, chief executive officer at the rural health resource center, commended Boulder City Hospital for using technology to assist the rural community.

“It reflects the innovation required to address unique population health needs in rural communities through expansion of technology,” she said of the award.

Facilities in three states were selected to be recognized during this round of nominations, according to Buck.

“The Boulder City Hospital team is committed to improving our processes on a daily basis,” said Tom Maher, the hospital CEO.

“With the extra work and dedication of Boulder City Hospital Infection Control and Risk Management team Stephanie West (pharmacy), Jessica Murray (infection control) and Arleen Sheeler (risk management) this collaboration became an ongoing successful program,” said Laima Etchegoyhen, outreach and technical assistance coordinator for University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Senators call for disaster funding to help Lake Mead

“Disastrous conditions have reshaped Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s one and a half million acres of incredible landscapes and slowly depleted the largest reservoir in the United States,” the senators wrote in a letter to the National Park Service.

Boulder City Council reviews city officials’ performance

Boulder City Council met in a special session Tuesday to hear presentations from the city manager, city attorney and city clerk and then to issue official performance reviews.

 
Lake Mead may face deeper pumping to protect water quality

The Southern Nevada Water Authority is evaluating whether changes need to be made to its lowest intake straw in order to protect water quality as Lake Mead continues to shrink.

Avi Kwa Ame named Nevada’s 4th national monument

President Joe Biden designated Avi Kwa Ame as Nevada’s fourth national monument Tuesday during the White House Conservation in Action Summit.

Biden set to visit Vegas to talk drug prices

President Biden will not be designating Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument next week, although he will still be in town to talk about prescription drug prices.

As Lake Mead declines, so do its visitation numbers

A National Park Service spokesman says it is not possible to say why visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area dropped off without further research.