MARTIN, TN. – West Tennessee Healthcare Volunteer Hospital is once again being recognized hospital-wide for its commitment to patient safety, achieving zero healthcare-associated infections in all four measured categories throughout 2025.
Volunteer Hospital achieved Zero Harm in:
• Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
• Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Clostridium difficile Infections (CDI)
The hospital’s latest recognition continues a strong record of patient safety. Volunteer Hospital achieved Zero Harm in all four categories in 2023, followed by recognition in three categories in 2024. For 2025, the hospital has once again achieved Zero Harm across all four categories, earning hospital-wide recognition.
“This recognition says so much about the people who care for our patients every day,” said Kevin Decker, CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare Volunteer Hospital. “Returning to Zero Harm in all four categories reflects our team’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for our community.”
Zero Harm means exactly what it sounds like: during the award period, Volunteer Hospital had zero healthcare-associated infections in all four recognized categories. Reaching that goal requires consistent attention to infection prevention, patient monitoring, communication and teamwork throughout the hospital.
The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) presents Zero Harm Awards annually to hospitals and clinical departments that go extended periods without specific healthcare-associated infections. In 2026, 100 Tennessee hospitals received Zero Harm recognition based on their 2025 patient safety results, with only 16 achieving hospital-wide recognition for zero infections in all four categories.
For Volunteer Hospital, returning to hospital-wide Zero Harm recognition reflects a commitment that goes beyond any single year. It represents a team that continues to learn, improve and work together to provide safe, high-quality care for the people of Martin, Weakley County and the surrounding communities.
About West Tennessee Healthcare:
West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations serving 19 counties in West Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. The mission of West Tennessee Healthcareis to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wth.org
