News Release
While attending the Georgia Hospital Association Patient Safety Summit, January 7-8, 2015, Dr. Linda Jones accepted a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Memorial Hospital and Manor Antibiotic Stewardship Team, presented by The Georgia Healthcare Associated Infections Advisory Committee. In addition to receiving the certificate of recognition, Memorial Hospital and Manor is listed on the Honor Roll web site.
The Antibiotic Stewardship Team is composed of two physicians, a pharmacist, an infection preventionist, a quality professional, and a microbiology laboratory technologist.
The team members are Linda Jones, M.D.; Winston Price, M.D.; Kristin Gawn, MT(AAB); Kathy MacQuirter, RN, MBA; and Ellen King, Pharm.D., MBA. In May of 2014, Dr. King, along with other pharmacists and physicians from around the world, attended the MAD-ID [“Making a Difference in Infectious Diseases”] Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Her attendance was sponsored as part of the state’s commitment to provide resources and support to participating facilities in engaging in antibiotic stewardship. There were three requirements for the first phase of this project: (1) Commitment from hospital leadership, (2) Identification of an Antibiotic Stewardship Team, and (3) an educational event.
The educational event was presented by Dr. Price and Dr. King to the medical staff of Memorial Hospital and Manor on November 11, 2014. The presentation covered the core concepts of antibiotic stewardship. The purpose of the educational event was to inform staff regarding the need for antibiotic stewardship and practices.
The timing of the presentation was ideal as November 17 – 23, 2014, was designated as “Get Smart Week”. Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is an annual one-week observance to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.
Ellen King, Pharm.D., MBA stated, “The MHM Antibiotic Stewardship Team is looking forward to meeting the requirements for the second phase of this project. We are also very pleased to have received this certificate of recognition for our work on this project so far.”
Dr. Linda Jones stated, “I was honored to receive this certificate on behalf of the Antibiotic Stewardship Team. The work of this team is vital to improving the overall quality of care that is provided to our patients. Our team is committed to completing each phase of this initiative, and I look forward to working with my team members to ensure that this initiative is successful.”
Billy Walker, CEO stated “We are very proud of the staff involved in this initiative, and for being recognized for this achievement. The mission of Memorial Hospital and Manor is to deliver courteous, respectful, safe, and quality care to every patient, every time. This recognition affirms our commitment to our patients and our mission. This team’s efforts are another way for us to improve the quality of healthcare services that we provide to our patients.”
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