Six Vanderbilt Health hospitals were recognized in the Tennessee Hospital Association’s 2025 Zero Harm Awards, with Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital earning top marks in all categories.
The awards, developed by Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) with the Tennessee Center for Patient Safety and the THA Quality Committee, track infection categories including central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The awards are now in their third year honoring hospitals and clinical units that have zero care-associated infections.
Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital (VBCH) posted the strongest results in the system, achieving zero infections hospital-wide across all four categories — CLABSI, CAUTI, CDI and MRSA.
“Achieving zero infections in all four categories is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of the Vanderbilt Health culture of multidisciplinary collaboration from the physicians, nurses, clinical staff and support teams. Every day, our team is focused on delivering the safest and highest quality care possible. This recognition reflects our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of every patient who entrusts us with their care,” said Lori Martin, MBA, BSN, RT(R), Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of VBCH.
The rest of the system performed well.
- Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital earned hospital-wide awards for both CAUTI and CLABSI.
- Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital was recognized for CAUTI in multiple units and for CLABSI hospital-wide.
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Hospital and Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital each had multiple individual units recognized for zero harm in CAUTI and CLABSI.
Tammy Van Dyk, Senior Vice President at THA’s Tennessee Center for Patient Safety, said, “The Zero Harm Awards recognize the extraordinary results that can be achieved when leaders and front-line teams unite around a shared commitment to patient safety. The hospitals recognized are setting the standard for excellence, creating safer environments and better outcomes for patients and communities in Tennessee.”
