Florida Hospital Zephyrhills First in Florida to Attain Silver Safe Sleep Leader Certification

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has been recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Silver Leader for its commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is the first hospital in the state to achieve this title.

The Baby Place at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills was formerly bronze certified for safe sleep, but through the staffs hard work and diligence we've advanced to the next level. Patient safety is always our top priority. The final and highest infant safe sleep certification is gold and were already setting goals to reach that level, said Gwen Alonso, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.

Designation as a Silver Certified Safe Sleep Hospital involves developing and maintaining a safe sleep policy; ensuring that staff caring for patients up to one-year-old successfully undergo infant safe sleep training; providing safe sleep education to the infants parents prior to discharge; making use of wearable blankets; and recording progress and reporting successes to the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.

Unfortunately, sleep-related deaths account for the loss of more than 3,500 infants annually in the United States, according to Michael Goodstein, MD, Neonatologist and Medical Director of Research at Cribs for Kids.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids, a Pittsburgh-based organization dedicated to preventing infant, sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation.

About Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills (FHZ) is an award winning 149-bed regional medical center located in East Pasco County. It is a proud member of the Adventist Health System, providing a legacy of health and healing for more than 150 years. FHZ has been named One of Americas Best Hospitals for 2018 in heart care; stroke; orthopedics; and patient safety by the Women's Choice Award. The hospital is also the first in Florida to receive The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. FHZ offers the only comprehensive cardiovascular program in East and Central Pasco County, including open heart surgery and valve repair. Equipped with eight technologically advanced surgical suites, the hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgical services including, but not limited to general, orthopedic, endoscopic, gynecology, urology, cardiovascular and robotic procedures. The Women's Health Center at FHZ provides gynecology, urology, pelvic floor health, obstetrics and breast care through the Simpson Breast Health Center. And, the hospitals recently renovated ER delivers emergency medical care 24/7 with a fast track suite for minor emergencies. Other programs and services include a Wellness Center, Wellness Spa, Center for Wound Healing, Bone and Joint Center, Outpatient Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Imaging. To learn more visit AdventHealth Zephyrhills.