PCH announces patient safety milestone

WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) announces a major patient safety milestone: 500 consecutive days without a central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). PCH has reduced its central line infection rate to 0.00 in 2025 and is on target to end 2026 at a rate of 0.00. The national average is 0.08 per 1,000 central line days.

 

A CLABSI is a serious healthcare‑associated infection that can occur when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream through a central line. Central lines are specialized intravenous catheters used to deliver medications, fluids, nutrition, or dialysis over extended periods.

 

“Reaching 500 days without a CLABSI is a testament to the dedication and vigilance of our entire care team,” said Karen Bowling, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital. “Every member of our staff plays a role in ensuring the safety of our patients, and this milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

 

PCH has created strict protocols to ensure central line safety. A specialized vascular access team visits patients with central lines every day to prevent infections. Their work includes daily skin cleansing, treating the patient’s nose to remove germs, and removing unnecessary lines. PCH has also increased its staff of intensivists who care for patients. Intensivists are doctors specially trained to treat people who are critically ill in the intensive care unit. 

 

By preventing CLABSIs, PCH is helping reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve overall outcomes for patients and families across the region. The hospital remains focused on maintaining this standard through ongoing education, monitoring, and adherence to evidence-based practices.

 

PCH celebrated the milestone with a "Let's Taco 'Bout It" theme in honor of May 5 being Cinco De Mayo.  

 

About WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.