Hospital safety markers released last week reveal Dunedin did not meet a key measure designed to reduce bloodstream infections.
Dunedin Hospital was one of nine hospital teams that fell short of 90% compliance for following correct procedure for inserting catheters into blood vessels near the heart.
Correct procedure can prevent bloodstream infections. Its 72% compliance in the final quarter of last year was an improvement on the first quarter, when Dunedin was accorded a red status.
Twelve hospital teams met the target, which has been credited with reducing the average number of patients developing bloodstream infection central-line associated bacteraemia in intensive care units from up to six patients a month to almost zero by February this year.
''Its success shows the effectiveness of national campaigns to improve patient safety,'' Health Quality and Safety Commission chairman Prof Alan Merry said in a press release.
The data set was the first to measure compliance with the four health quality and safety measures selected to enhance patient safety.
In assessing patients over the age of 75 for falls risk, Southern District Health Board fell just short of the 90% target with 86%. Five of 20 health boards met the target.
On staff hand-washing, Southern recorded 62% , falling short of the 70% target. Compliance ranged from 75% to 54%, with South Island health boards less likely to achieve the target.
Because of incomplete data, Southern was not included in a table of compliance with a surgical safety checklist.
''The markers show some really great work and commitment by DHBs to quality of services and patient safety, but there is also room for improvement,'' Prof Merry said.
