Safety CQI Team

The Safety CQI Team has been involved in maintaining the safety of Saint Vincent’s by listening to staff’s concerns, inspecting environments and evaluating information at the monthly team meetings. 

Injuries have continued to decline overall.  Injury information has been shared with the Quality Council for inclusion in the larger discussion of treatment planning and program implementation.  Areas of concern have been identified and are being addressed through increased training opportunities for staff or programmatic changes for environments and/or youth in particular. 

With the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, Saint Vincent’s staff met to discuss the recommendations provided by the Commonwealth.  This information was presented to the Safety CQI Team.  Information in turn was provided to all staff concerning the potential for the virus to spread.  Signs were made and placed in all restrooms pertaining to hygiene and memos were posted in high traffic areas of the Agency listing the precautions everyone should take.

An inspection by the representative from our insurance carrier and the Safety CQI chair discovered Ground Fault Interrupters (GFIs) were not functioning in the staff lounge and in the Group Homes basements.  GFIs must be installed in areas where electrical outlets are in close proximity of water.  This was brought to the Facilities Director and he implemented the upgrades immediately.

Transportation for youth in our STARR Program became an issue.  As some youth do not meet the height or age requirement for transportation with a regular factory installed seat belt, child safety seats and booster seats were required.  The information was passed on to the Environmental Services Manager.  The seats were purchased and readied for installation.  The proper installation was explained and demonstrated to appropriate staff.