KGMI News
BELLINGHAM, WASH – The Shuksan Healthcare Center in Whatcom County has some new partners in the fight against infections.
One in every 10 patients in a skilled nursing home winds up back in the hospital instead of going home.
Frequently, it’s because of an infection.
Shuksan consults with Doctor George Diaz and another doctor when a patient gets sick.
“It’s estimated that roughly 50% of the treatments for infections is inappropriate or incorrect. Our program looked at making sure that people get the right care at the right time.”
The doctors manage what’s called an antibiotic-stewardship program – something that will be a government requirement later this year.
Shuskan tells KOMO it believes it’s the first nursing facility in the state to implement a program led by doctors, and it’s already making a difference.