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CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// harrisonmedical.org 4 HARRISON MEDICAL CENTER has been recognized for its dedication to patient safety by being awarded an "A" grade in the Spring 2015 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections within the hospital. This is the third consecutive time Harrison has achieved this recognition. While 782 hospitals earned an "A" rating, only 182 hospitals, including Harrison, were recognized as being "straight A" facilities for earning top marks consecutively over the past few years. This "A" grade is one of the most meaningful honors a hospital can achieve, and one of the most valuable indicators for patients looking for a safe place to receive care. The Hospital Safety Score is the gold standard for patient safety, compiled under the guidance of the nation's leading patient safety experts and administered by The Leapfrog Group, a national, nonprofit hospital safety watchdog. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer- reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safet y, the Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay. "Receiving an 'A' rating ref lects directly on Harrison's tremendous effort in providing the best and safest quality of care for our patients," said David Schultz, market president for the Peninsula Region. To see Harrison Medical Center's full score, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients and loved ones visiting a hospital, visit hospitalsafetyscore.org. Harrison Medical Center Earns 'A' Grade for Patient Safety CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// harrisonmedical.org 4 ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA), "Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death in the United States." Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is defined as a disease of the heart and blood vessels often involving the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries, which leads to numerous heart complications such as arrhythmia, heart valve problems, heart attack and stroke. Factors such as obesity, stress, high blood pressure and high cholesterol—among others—are used to determine the risk level for developing heart disease. While many of these factors are preventable, risk of heart disease increases with age for both men and women. In Kitsap County, as the average age of the population continues to grow, so does the need for cardiovascular services and care. "In our community, there is a great need for cardiology care," said Satyavardhan Pulukurthy, MD, FACC, FSCAI, interventional cardiologist with Harrison HealthPartners Cardiovascular Consultants Bremerton. "We have an expert team of cardiologists who are specially trained to provide excellence in finding, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels." Harrison HealthPartners Cardiovascular Consultants provides the full scope of inpatient and outpatient cardiology procedures locally. With locations in Bremerton, Forks, Port Ludlow, Port Orchard, Port Townsend and Poulsbo, patients have convenient access to exceptional care close to home. SAT YAVARDHAN PULUKURTHY, MD, FACC, FSCAI If you've had a heart attack, or have concerns about your heart, talk to your primary care physician about your risk for heart failure and other heart conditions. HEART LISTEN TO YOUR HEART