Be a Safety STAR: Celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week at GBMC

This week marks National Patient Safety Awareness Week, a time to reaffirm our commitment to the highest standards of care and patient protection. This year’s theme, “Be a Safety STAR!”, highlights the importance of SafeTy, Accountability, and Reliability in healthcare. At GBMC, we live by these principles every day, ensuring that every patient receives the care we would want for our own loved ones. 

Empowering Patients for Safer Care 

At GBMC, patient safety isn’t just an awareness week—it’s embedded in our culture year-round. Our STAR tool for incident reporting continues to strengthen our culture of safety, empowering staff to speak up when they see opportunities for improvement. Our Lean Management System has helped us reduce hospital-acquired infections and patient harm by tracking and improving our safety efforts every day. 

Ensuring safety in a hospital setting is a shared responsibility between healthcare providers and patients. Here are a few essential tips to help patients advocate for their safety: 

• Communicate Clearly: Always share your medical history, allergies, and medications with your care team. 
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something about your treatment, ask for clarification. 
• Hand Hygiene: Make sure everyone washes their hands before providing care. 
• Medication Safety: Double-check prescriptions and dosages with your provider. 
• Prevent Infections: Follow wound-care guidelines and infection prevention measures. 
• Understand Your Treatment Plan: Know your discharge instructions and follow-up steps. 
• Use Call Buttons: If you feel unwell or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for help. 
• Prevent Falls: Use assistive devices if needed and ask for help when moving. 
• Involve Family or Friends: A trusted advocate can help ensure instructions are followed. 

If you have ideas on how we can further enhance patient safety, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we are patient safety! 

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman Visits GBMC’s SAFE Unit 

This week, several colleagues had the privilege of hosting Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, who toured our Sexual Assault Forensic Examination & Domestic Violence (SAFE & DV) Program. This program, which provides compassionate care and forensic services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, is a vital part of our commitment to the community. 

Our SAFE & DV suite is designed to provide a private, secure, and healing environment for survivors, with state-of-the-art forensic technology and a dedicated team of forensic nurse examiners. The visit was an important opportunity to highlight the critical work our team does and the ongoing need for resources to support survivors. 

We are grateful for leaders like Comptroller Lierman who take the time to learn about and support programs that make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. I invite everyone to join us for our 10th annual Walk A Mile in Their Shoes event on Friday, April 11 at 4 p.m., where Ravens Coach John Harbaugh is serving as this year's Honorary Chair for Walk A Mile and will be walking with us! Proceeds benefit our SAFE & DV Program, and you can register today by visiting www.gbmc.org/walkamile.  

Recognizing Healthcare Human Resources, Nutrition Experts, and Cultural Celebrations 

A healthcare system is only as strong as its people. This Healthcare Human Resources Week, we extend our gratitude to our HR team for their dedication to recruiting, retaining, and supporting the professionals who make GBMC a trusted name in care. On March 12, we recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, honoring the vital role of dietitians in patient recovery and long-term health. 

Iftar at GBMC 

This past Wednesday, March 12, GBMC sponsored an Iftar Program and Dinner, marking the daily breaking of the fast for our Muslim colleagues and community members during Ramadan. The meal, catered by Kandahar Afghan Kitchen, provided an opportunity for fellowship and cultural appreciation. 

Happy Holi! 

To all who celebrate, Happy Holi! This Hindu Festival of Colors is a beautiful reminder of renewal, joy, and the victory of good over evil. May your year be as vibrant as the celebrations!