In another analysis, hospital nurses identified a specific brand of central line disinfection caps that helped significantly reduce the risk of hospital- associated infection from intravenous therapy. 

By working closely with quality and infection control teams to identify and acquire products that lower the risk of hospital-acquired infection (HAI), UHS Supply Chain helped the company achieve significant reductions in HAI, at a cost savings of nearly $12 million in 2011. Of that, $7.5 million in savings was realized through a 61 percent reduction in MRSA infections, which can cost $100,000 per case to treat. Supply Chain realized additional reductions in hospital-acquired infection and $12.2 million in savings in 2011 through initiatives in total joint replacement, cardiac rhythm management and spine treatment programs. 

In some parts of the United States, there are not enough hospital beds to meet current demand. Riverside County, California is one such area. Population growth in recent years there has far outpaced increases in the number of hospital beds. To meet demand, UHS broke ground in June for the new Temecula Valley Hospital, a 140-bed facility scheduled to open in 2013. Also in Riverside County, UHS opened a new Women’s Center at Rancho Springs Medical Center, as well as new emergency departments there and at Inland Valley Medical Center. 

Ali Rowland, RN (left), William F. Entriken, Jr., DO, FACEP (rear) and Geri Larson, RN (front), are among staff members who use Lean Six Sigma techniques to speed patient throughput in the Emergency Department at Texoma Medical Center.  As a result, the hospital reduced the number of people who left the department without being treated by nearly 75 percent. 

