The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) Quality Team regularly honors individuals in Kentucky hospitals who are nominated by their peers for their commitment to patient safety. KHA recently honored Dr. David Worthy, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Baptist Health Corbin, as a Patient Safety Hero.
Award winners are hospital staff members who have performed at a high level of accountability and have been instrumental in uncovering new methods of quality improvement and patient safety; training staff members on the importance of patient safety; preventing harm from a patient at risk; or executing other safety or quality improvement activities that deserve recognition.
Dr. Worthy was nominated by a colleague who noted his “exceptional leadership in advancing patient safety at Baptist Health Corbin.”
Through the development and implementation of a hospital-wide safety program, Dr. Worthy has significantly enhanced the safety culture across the facility. This program actively engages front-line staff, leadership, and health care providers in safety initiatives.
Dr. Worthy made it a priority to foster collaboration and communication, ensuring that every team member has a voice in identifying safety concerns and contributing to solutions. Part of this program helps new hires understand the importance of patient safety.
In addition, as a leader, Dr. Worthy is a constant presence on the units, frequently rounding to observe daily operations, engage with staff, and understand areas where safety measures can be strengthened.
The nomination continued, “This hands-on approach demonstrates a genuine commitment to continuous improvement and creates an open channel for addressing potential safety risks in real-time. Dr. Worthy’s visionary leadership has not only improved our safety outcomes but has also empowered staff across the hospital to take ownership of patient safety.”
The KHA team is grateful to Dr. Worthy and other patient safety leaders whose commitment to the care they provide makes a difference for their patients and their communities, according to a news release.
