Sam Hills, RN, visits Penang, Malaysia
 
In February, Sam Hills had the pleasure of doing volunteer consulting with Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) in Penang, Malaysia.  He was there for 4 weeks during which time he interviewed the nursing leadership members and attended many of their planning meetings to identify any opportunities for improvement and to make recommendations for change.  He not only evaluated their nursing leadership and bedside nursing processes but also the quality improvement program for nursing and the hospital as a whole.  While there, the hospital underwent a survey by the Malaysian Society for Quality Healthcare. This survey was conducted by 8 individuals along with 4 observers and Hills was able to make recommendations for change based on citations the surveyors gave the hospital to be in compliance with the standards.  The survey standards for MSQH were very similar to those of Joint Commission so fortunately, PAH did not have to make major changes in their preparation activities.  The staff was obviously very committed to PAH and were looking for ways to improve their processes.  Hills says the experience was very rewarding for him, especially when asked to return to verify that they have followed his recommendations and to assist them in preparing for their 2010 Joint Commission triennial survey..  Hills also had opportunities to do some sightseeing and found it a country with a very interesting history.  This is one of several foreign consulting trips Hills had made through the Loma Linda University Global Health Institute and says he is looking forward to further similar opportunities in the future.