Abrazo Central Campus Achieves Remarkable Patient Safety Milestone with Sustained Zero Healthcare-Associated Infections

PHOENIX — Abrazo Central Campus has achieved an exceptional patient safety milestone, demonstrating sustained excellence in preventing multiple serious healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), as defined and tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

As of 2026, Abrazo Central reports extended periods with zero hospital-onset cases across several major infection categories:

• Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI): No cases since July 2024
• Hospital-onset MRSA bacteremia: No cases since May 2024
• Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI): No cases since May 2025
• Hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile): No cases since May 2025

These results represent sustained zero harm across multiple NHSN-defined infection categories—a rare achievement that highlights consistent, high-reliability infection prevention practices and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Healthcare-associated infections are recognized by the CDC as key national safety indicators owing to their links to increased complications, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Hospitals are measured using the Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR), where a score of 1.0 is considered national baseline. While most hospitals strive for SIRs < 1.0, sustaining a SIR of 0.0 across multiple categories simultaneously, particularly over extended periods, is uncommon among hospitals nationwide, especially for community hospitals.

“This achievement reflects a shared commitment across the organization, from bedside caregivers to executive leadership, to maintain accountability, respond quickly to potential risks, and prioritize patient safety in every interaction. Together, we built a culture of high reliability where infection prevention is embedded into daily care, making sustained zero harm not just possible, but a collective accomplishment.,” said Kirtan Patel MPH, MBBS Infection Preventionist at Abrazo Central Campus.

Abrazo Central’s success reflects a comprehensive, organization-wide approach to infection prevention, including:

• Frontline engagement — Active ownership of infection prevention by nurses, physicians, and care teams.
• Data transparency and monitoring — Continuous tracking and rapid response to mitigate potential infection risks.
• Culture of safety — A shared belief across all levels of the organization that zero harm is achievable.
• Evidence-based practices — Strict adherence to central line and catheter protocols.
• Diagnostic stewardship and antimicrobial management — Careful testing practices and responsible antibiotic use.

“This milestone demonstrates our role as a leader in delivering safe, high-quality care and reinforces our commitment to protecting patients, improving outcomes, and building trust within the community,” said Gregory Pearson, CEO, Abrazo Central Campus.