Acadia Touch Points Blog

All hospitals put tremendous effort into making sure our patients are receiving the best care possible, and part of that process includes rigorous attention to patient safety issues. As we Observe National Patient Safety Awareness Week, I would like to reflect on the excellent work that is going on at Acadia Hospital to increase safety for the patients and staff.

Approximately two years ago, Acadia embarked on a journey that find us leading the nation in restraint reduction. This has allowed our patients to be cared for in the least restrictive environment which, in turn, leads to an increase their therapeutic healing. Eliminating mechanical restraints and seclusion for all patients at Acadia has allowed our caregivers to use best practices in therapeutic techniques and collaborative team care to work with client and assist them in their road to recovery.

Reducing restraints has provided us with some challenges, but that has led to many positive changes including: increased staff training, improved awareness of safety issues, increased number of therapeutic tools available to staff and clients including music, art, exercise, comfort rooms, individual and group treatment sessions, and finally, increased overall safety for both patients and staff. We are working every day to provide the tools needed to ensure that The Acadia Hospital is the safest and best place to give and receive care.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Acadia staff for their commitment to quality patient care. Without their willingness to constantly learn and grow we would not be the Hospital we are today.