Coös County, NH – January 9, 2026– Patient safety is a foundational responsibility of healthcare systems, and infection prevention is a critical part of protecting patients, staff, and communities.
In 2025, North Country Healthcare recorded zero central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) across the System, reflecting consistent infection prevention practices across its hospitals. At individual facilities, teams also achieved zero cases in several additional categories, including ventilator-associated events, MRSA, C. difficile, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Hospital-acquired infections remain a recognized challenge across healthcare, particularly in rural settings where staffing and resources can be strained. Preventing these infections requires daily attention to detail, coordination across teams, and adherence to standardized practices.
“Our teams show up every day focused on patient safety,” said Tom Mee, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Healthcare. “Infection prevention isn’t one initiative or one department. It’s consistent practice, teamwork, and accountability across the organization.”
Infection prevention efforts at North Country Healthcare include standardized protocols, ongoing staff training, and regular review of practices to identify opportunities for improvement. This work is closely connected to broader patient safety and quality improvement initiatives across the System.
Leaders emphasize that patient safety is ongoing work rather than a fixed outcome. Maintaining safe, reliable care requires continued vigilance, learning, and adaptation as conditions change.
These results reflect the commitment of caregivers, clinical leaders, and support staff across North Country Healthcare to providing safe, reliable care for the communities they serve.