Conroe recognized as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation

Conroe, TX – The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), representing more than 200,000 surgical nurses across the country, has named HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. This award recognizes the hospital for its commitment to patient and workplace safety by taking a comprehensive approach to ensuring a smoke-free environment wherever surgical smoke is generated. 

Information about the award

AORN’s Go Clear Award signifies that surgical teams at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe have successfully completed the comprehensive, evidence-based program and adopted technologies to ensure a surgical smoke-free environment for its patients and staff. 

“Surgical smoke occurs every day in operating rooms and poses health risks to those exposed to it. AORN created this program so that every facility can understand the urgency and take steps to protect the health and safety of patients, nurses, doctors and support staff,” said AORN CEO & Executive Director Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN. “This Center of Excellence for Surgical Safety designation shows the community that the surgical teams at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe are committed to providing high-quality care.”

Why the award is important

• Surgical smoke is a hazardous byproduct of any surgery involving a laser or an electrosurgical unit.
• Although research, professional organizations, and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) identified surgical smoke as harmful many years ago, this byproduct continues to be a safety hazard in the operating room.
• The Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation (Go Clear^TM) Program was developed to help perioperative teams improve safety efforts and protect staff and patients from the hazards of surgical smoke.

Message from hospital

“We are extremely proud to have received the Go Clear^TM award that designates us as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. Our surgical team has worked diligently to ensure they are providing a smoke-free environment for our patients and colleagues. This award further demonstrates HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe’s commitment to patient safety,” said Matt Davis, CEO at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe.