Long‑term care honored; board reviews new bed‑exit sensor system

Petersburg Medical Center board members congratulated the facility’s long‑term care team for winning the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality Award and reviewed operational upgrades aimed at reducing falls and infection risk.

“Marlene” (board member, S11) said the award “was well, well deserved and nice to be honored in front of the whole state.” The board then heard that a new bed‑exit sensor system has been installed in long‑term care. The system will notify nurses and aides through cell‑phone alerts and trigger lights and alarms when a resident attempts to leave a bed or chair. Staff will add a central kiosk for monitoring and train housekeeping, rehab and other staff on the new workflow; three staff members (Rachel, Wolf and Grazina) are scheduled for a CHEST train‑the‑trainer course in Anchorage in September.

The committee also discussed ultraviolet room‑cleaning devices as an added infection‑control step and noted that surveyors could inspect the unit “anytime now.” Board members asked clarifying questions about kiosk placement and alarm escalation to assure staff can respond promptly. The board did not take formal action; staff said they will proceed with training and monitor the system’s performance ahead of the next regulatory survey.