The Indiana Hospital Association recently recognized Schneck Medical Center for its work to reduce patient harm by 40 percent and re-admissions by 20 percent during the past three years.

The recognition at The Marten House in Indianapolis is based on the results of a national campaign known as Partnership for Patients, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve quality and patient safety at hospitals nationwide, according to a news release.

Schneck was one of 116 hospitals that partnered with the state association to form a statewide engagement network, Coalition for Care, and participate with the American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust in the ambitious initiative. These hospitals came together to work collaboratively on patient safety efforts.

“All of our physicians and staff at Schneck should feel proud of the improvements we have achieved in regard to patient safety and quality,” said Tammy Dye, vice president of Clinical Services and chief quality officer at Schneck. “By collaborating with IHA and applying the best practices that have been proven to work in our industry, we can provide even better treatment for our patients.”

Member hospitals attended educational sessions offered through the association and trust to address re-admissions, falls and patient and family engagement, among others.

In the past three years, there have been 3,800 participants in educational programs. In 2014, 59 regional patient safety coalition meetings were held across the state. Lean Six Sigma training has been instrumental, with 297 Lean Six Sigma green belts and 176 Lean Six Sigma black belts being trained. Schneck had five individuals receiving Lean Six Sigma training during the course of three years. Also, there are now 68 hospitals with patient and family advisory councils.