Fort Washington Medical's Blueprint for Zero Infections

FORT WASHINGTON, MD – August 04, 2026 – In the world of healthcare, success is often measured in lives saved and recoveries made. But another, equally critical metric is emerging as a key indicator of operational excellence and commercial viability: the number of days a hospital can go without a single preventable infection. Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center (FWMC) just set a new, formidable benchmark in this arena, announcing it has surpassed 1,000 consecutive days without a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection and 600 days without a Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI).

For an acute care hospital, these are not just impressive statistics; they are landmark achievements that translate directly into patient trust, reduced costs, and a powerful competitive advantage. As the only hospital in Prince George's County to consistently earn an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from the national watchdog The Leapfrog Group, FWMC is demonstrating how a relentless focus on safety protocols can become the cornerstone of a sustainable and highly reputable healthcare enterprise.

Setting a New Standard in a National Fight

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a persistent and costly challenge for hospitals worldwide. C. diff, a bacterium that causes severe intestinal distress, and CAUTIs are two of the most common culprits, leading to longer hospital stays, complex treatments, and in tragic cases, increased mortality. The economic burden is staggering, costing the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars annually.

While the fight is arduous, recent national data offers a glimmer of hope. In July 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a promising 27% decline in HAIs in U.S. hospitals between 2015 and 2023, with significant reductions in both C. diff and CAUTI rates. This progress, driven by widespread adoption of prevention and control practices, provides an encouraging backdrop for FWMC's success.

However, FWMC's achievement goes far beyond incremental improvement. While national averages are falling, achieving a standardized infection ratio of zero over such extended periods—nearly three years for C. diff—is exceptional. It elevates the hospital from a participant in a positive trend to a leader setting a new standard. This distinction is precisely what The Leapfrog Group's grading system is designed to recognize, as lower infection rates are a critical factor in securing a top grade. FWMC’s sustained 'A' rating, now its third in a row, is a direct reflection of these quantifiable safety outcomes.

The Anatomy of Zero: Culture, Collaboration, and Protocol

The journey to zero infections is not accidental; it is the result of a meticulously designed and executed strategy. At FWMC, this strategy is built on a foundation of what leadership calls a "culture of accountability and continuous improvement." This isn't corporate jargon; it's a description of an operational reality where every team member is empowered and expected to be a guardian of patient safety.

"Our success is built on collaboration," said Fiona McMahon, FWMC's director of Quality and Safety Services. She credits the leadership of Infection Preventionist Tatyana Makarevich and the collective dedication of physicians, nurses, and critically, the environmental services staff. "Every team member, every department and every patient interaction play a role in creating a safer hospital environment," McMahon stated.

This collaborative model translates into rigorous, evidence-based practices woven into the hospital's daily workflow. For C. diff, this includes stringent antibiotic stewardship to prevent overuse, rapid testing for symptomatic patients, immediate isolation protocols, and an uncompromising focus on hand hygiene. Critically, it also involves meticulous environmental cleaning with sporicidal agents, as C. diff spores can persist on surfaces for months. The role of the environmental services team, often overlooked, becomes mission-critical in this context.

Similarly, preventing CAUTIs requires a multi-pronged approach focused on necessity. Protocols demand that catheters are used only when essential, inserted using strict aseptic techniques, and—most importantly—removed the moment they are no longer medically necessary. This disciplined approach minimizes the window of opportunity for infection to develop.

The Tangible Returns of a Safety-First Model

For any organization, translating innovation and operational excellence into tangible value is the core of commercial success. In healthcare, the "profit" generated by a safety-first model is multifaceted. The most immediate return is financial. By preventing costly HAIs, FWMC avoids extended patient stays, expensive treatments, and potential penalties, directly improving its financial health and allowing resources to be reinvested into care.

More importantly, these safety milestones build an invaluable asset: community trust. In a competitive healthcare market, being the demonstrably safest hospital in the county is a powerful differentiator. It provides peace of mind for patients and their families, making FWMC a "trusted choice" for care in southern Prince George's County. This reputation is further solidified by the hospital's other accolades, including recognition for racial inclusivity and ethical practices, painting a picture of an institution committed to holistic excellence.

This commitment to safety was evident even before these milestones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FWMC was the first hospital in the nation to install innovative modular units with Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIRs), a proactive investment in the safety of both patients and staff. This history of forward-thinking safety initiatives underscores that the current achievements are part of a long-term strategic vision.

A System-Wide Commitment to Excellence

FWMC's success is not an isolated phenomenon. It is amplified by its position within the Adventist HealthCare system, which has cultivated a system-wide focus on quality. In the Spring 2026 Leapfrog ratings, all of Adventist HealthCare's acute-care hospitals earned an 'A' grade simultaneously for the first time. This system-level achievement suggests that the blueprint for safety developed at institutions like FWMC is both scalable and reproducible.

For investors, industry analysts, and healthcare leaders, this is a crucial insight. It shows that exceptional patient safety is not an elusive goal but an achievable outcome born from strategic leadership, cultural commitment, and rigorous execution. By transforming patient safety from a compliance requirement into a core operational driver, Adventist HealthCare and its flagship facilities like Fort Washington Medical Center are not just preventing infections—they are defining the future of high-quality, commercially viable healthcare.