Inova Loudoun Hospital Receives Grant

Cardinal Health Foundation Supports Hospital’s Research Study

Leesburg, VA – (August 17, 2009) – An Inova Loudoun Hospital research study, “Evaluation of the Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Colonization in Pre-surgical Patients and Post-Operative Infections,” was recently selected by the Cardinal Health Foundation as a 2009 grant recipient. Cardinal Health Foundation presented a $24,000 grant check to Inova Loudoun Hospital representatives Randy Kelley, CEO; Glenn Zirbser, CFO; Karen Gabel Speroni, PhD, RN, Director, Nursing Research & Chair, Research Council; and Cynthia Hack, RN, BSN, Surgical Services.

The study investigators are Dr. Speroni and Ms. Hack, who competed with more than 400 organizations to receive the grant. The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of MRSA colonization and its relationship to post-operative infection, as well as determine associated medical charges with diagnosis and treatment of post-operative MRSA infections. The research will provide information to improve the health of Inova’s diverse community and empower individuals to improve personal, family and community health through community-based programs.

Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for nearly 100 years, is part of Inova Health System, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.