West Jefferson Medical Center is First in Louisiana to Earn National Recognition as Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety

Marrero, LA – West Jefferson Medical Center is honored to receive the Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI award by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the leading professional organization for surgical nurses nationwide. This prestigious award recognizes West Jefferson's unwavering commitment to minimizing the risk of surgical errors and enhancing patient safety through advanced education and training of its surgical team in preventing unintentionally retained surgical items (RSI).

Unintentionally retained surgical items (RSIs), which include any surgical sponge, instrument, tool, or device unintentionally left in a patient after surgery, have long been identified by The Joint Commission as the most common sentinel event in surgical and invasive procedures.

“Being recognized as the first hospital in Louisiana to earn the designation of Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI is a milestone that reflects the commitment and expertise of our entire surgical team, made possible through strong collaboration with our physician partners,” said Garett May, JD, MBA, President and CEO of West Jefferson Medical Center. “Our team pursued a rigorous and unique opportunity, held themselves to the highest standards, and—together with our physician partners—delivered excellence at every step. This recognition is more than an honor; it affirms the culture of safety, innovation, and accountability that defines West Jefferson every day. I could not be prouder of this team and the leadership they continue to demonstrate for our state and our patients.”

The Center of Excellence designation signifies that West Jefferson has successfully completed AORN’s comprehensive, evidence-based program, adopting and implementing best practices to ensure the continued safe care of surgical patients.

To achieve this recognition, West Jefferson underwent a rigorous process, demonstrating its commitment to RSI prevention through several key initiatives. This included a comprehensive review and enhancement of existing surgical safety protocols, the implementation of adjunct technology and standardized procedures for instrument and sponge counting, and advanced training for all surgical team members on best practices for preventing RSIs. The program also emphasized fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration within the OR to ensure that all team members are empowered to speak up if they have any concerns about patient safety. Earning this Center of Excellence designation demonstrates West Jefferson's dedication to providing the highest level of safety for patients undergoing surgical procedures, while also creating a safer and more supportive environment for its surgical staff.

"To keep pace with evolving surgical safety practices, facilities must adapt," said David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, AORN’s CEO & Executive Director. "This Center of Excellence designation reflects that commitment."

About West Jefferson Medical Center

With a proven track record of over 65 years of service to the Westbank of Jefferson Parish and the surrounding area, West Jefferson Medical Center (West Jefferson) is well respected regionally and nationally for excellence in patient care, distinguishing it from other hospitals in New Orleans.

As a 324-bed not-for-profit hospital located in Marrero, Louisiana, West Jefferson resides on a more than 20-acre sprawling campus just minutes from downtown New Orleans. Situated near vast industrial and maritime corridors, West Jefferson serves area industry as well as the citizens of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Charles Parishes and beyond.

About AORN

Founded in 1949, AORN is the leading professional organization for perioperative nurses, supporting the practice of more than 200,000 perioperative nurses by providing evidence-based research, nursing education, standards and practice resources to enable optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. AORN unites and empowers perioperative nurses, healthcare organizations, and industry partners to support safe surgery for every patient, every time. For more information about AORN and its initiatives, visit www.aorn.org.

Contact:

Holly Lassere
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
West Jefferson Medical Center
Holly.Lassere@LCMCHealth.org
504.349.1130