Local CEO Selected for State Infection Prevention Award

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- L. Keith Granger, President and CEO of Trinity Medical Center in Birmingham and former CEO of Flowers Hospital in Dothan, was recently recognized by members of the Alabama Chapter of APIC, a national organization of infection prevention specialists, for his critical leadership in fighting the spread of infection in hospitals.  The award is given to an individual who has played a pivotal role in establishing an organizational culture that enables and supports infection prevention efforts in his or her facility.  Mr. Granger was selected not only for his hospital achievements, but more importantly, for the work he has done statewide.

“Mr. Granger has been instrumental in his role as the Alabama Hospital Association’s Quality Task Force Chairman in relaying to fellow CEOs and other executives the importance of infection prevention,” said Susan Blumstein, MT, CIC, CPHQ, board member and past president of the central Alabama APIC Chapter.  “He has worked tirelessly with hospitals and with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and CareFusion/MedMined Services to implement an infection surveillance program in every hospital in the state, one that is saving lives and that has become a model for other states.  He also played a significant role in the state’s efforts to pass legislation requiring reporting of hospital-acquired infections.”

“We are very appreciative of the work Keith has done for the last several years to help hospitals provide quality care to patients,” said J. Michael Horsley, president, Alabama Hospital Association.  “He ensures that our members are aware of the latest strategies for improving quality and patient safety, that they share best practices with each other and that executives understand the importance of their involvement in these efforts.  He has been especially important in bringing to the forefront activities that prevent and/or reduce the spread of infections in hospitals and is very deserving of this honor.”

In addition to his leadership with the Association’s Quality Task Force, Mr. Granger has served as chairman of the Alabama Hospital Association’s board of trustees and received its highest honor for hospital leadership.  He currently serves on the board of governors for the Federation of American Hospitals and was previously a member of the board of directors for the Federation and a former delegate for the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board. He is a member of the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, an officer with AQAF, the state’s quality improvement organization for Medicare patients, and was the first recipient of AQAF’s Robert G. Sherrill Award for Quality.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Members of the Central Alabama APIC Chapter shown presenting the award to Mr. Granger (l - r): Patty Miller, Baptist Health, Montgomery; Keith Granger, Trinity Medical Center, Birmingham; and Beth Goodall, DCH Health System, Tuscaloosa.

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