Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital, All-Out Effort to Achieve Zero Falls and Pressure Ulcers

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital is making every effort to create a hospital free of falls and pressure ulcers.

Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced on the 29th that it held a ‘Fall and Pressure Ulcer Zero Declaration Ceremony’ on the 27th in the main auditorium, organized by the Nursing Department.

The event was attended by nurses including Bong Yeongsuk, head of the Nursing Department, along with hospital director Shin Myeonggeun, medical director Nam Taekgeun, and administrative director Kim Youngmin, among other management committee members.

They pledged to practice zero falls and pressure ulcer incidents and conducted a patient safety campaign to encourage the interest of patients and their guardians.

Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital views falls not as accidental incidents but as issues that can be predicted and prevented. They are working toward zero falls through measures such as analyzing the causes of falls, sharing information on patients at risk of falling, strengthening fall prevention education, and improving facilities and the environment.

Additionally, to prevent pressure ulcers in bedridden patients?which can lead to skin necrosis and even threaten life?the hospital is systematizing position changes and room ventilation to challenge becoming a ‘pressure ulcer zero hospital.’

The Nursing Department previously held a contest for creating acrostic poems titled ‘Zero Falls, Zero Pressure Ulcers’ as part of awareness improvement activities to prevent falls and pressure ulcers.

Nurses Na Chaeul and Bae Boseul, who demonstrated exemplary activities in preventing falls and pressure ulcer incidents, were awarded the ‘Safety Award.’

Shin Myeonggeun, director of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, said, “Preventing falls and pressure ulcers is the most fundamental task medical staff must perform and an indicator of patient safety. We will spare no support and encouragement so that the passion and efforts of nurses can lead to the great achievement of zero falls and pressure ulcers that everyone hopes for.”