SCHA Weekly Update, December 6, 2011

In this issue

Latest from around the state

Protecting Patients and Employees from Influenza

The SCHA Board recently adopted the following position on influenza vaccinations for employees at its last regularly scheduled meeting:

"To achieve the highest possible level of protection for our patients and our employees, the SCHA supports hospitals adopting workforce and patient safety policies that require influenza vaccinations for all employees, students, volunteers, contract staff and temporary staff. These policies should provide exceptions for personnel who provide documentation of specific medical contra-indications. Anyone granted an exception should be required to wear a surgical or isolation mask while on duty. Depending upon the resources of an individual hospital, consideration should be given to the inclusion of all providers who are credentialed and affiliated with the hospital, as well as vendors, in those covered by these policies.

The SCHA recommends that SC hospitals adopt these workforce and patient safety policies prior to the start of the 2012 flu season so that adequate preparations and resources are available to implement these policies."

The position closely follows the position adopted by the AHA Board this summer.

The 91st SCHA Annual Meeting - Going for the Gold in 2012

Online registration is now open for the 91st SCHA Annual Meeting to be held January 26-27 at the Marriott in Columbia, SC. The meeting will provide the best and first opportunity for us to gather as a full membership to network, share and learn from experts in the field. View the brochure.

You will need a username/password to complete online registration. We have begun generating username/passwords and you should have received an email from SCHA containing that information. Once you receive your username/password, you will then be able to register for the Annual Meeting using the new online system. Download the brochure or for more information contact Lara Hewitt at 803.796.3080.

SCHA Solutions News

Immedion Expands Operations

Immedion, LLC, a South Carolina-based dedicated data center and manager services provider is building its third data center in Charleston with plans to open in late spring.

The third site further expands Immedion’s data center redundancy and disaster recovery offerings and allows Immedion to better serve the managed hosting needs of the southeast region. With the inclusion of Charleston, Immedion has colocation facilities in the upstate, midlands and the low country areas of South Carolina.

Immedion has also expanded its footprint into western North Carolina with the purchase of Netriplex’s Asheville data center operation.

As of Oct. 3, Netriplex Asheville will operate as an Immedion Data Center. As part of the acquisition, Immedion will be retaining Netriplex’s highly qualified engineering and support staff.