Wesley Healthcare
October 05, 2017

WICHITA – Wesley Healthcare’s vice president of quality and infection prevention, Brett Hartkopp, was one of eight health care professionals in Kansas recognized by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). The certification is the culmination of a year-long professional development initiative that was made possible through scholarships from the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative.

The eight recipients are active in the Kanas Hospital Improvement Innovation Network and represent a wide geographic distribution of health care services from Kansas City to Columbus and Newton to Coffeyville.

Recipients earn this credential in part by passing a rigorous, evidence-based examination that tests candidates on their competency in patient safety science and application.

“Earning this credential attests to the professional competency in patient safety science and application of these individuals,” said Tejal K. Gandhi, MD, MPH, CPPS, president, CBPPS. “This achievement demonstrates their expertise in this critical discipline and positions them among those committed to and leading patient safety work.”

CBPPS was established by, but is a separate organizational entity from, the National Patient Safety Foundation, and was created to advance, standardize and promote patient safety knowledge competencies for healthcare professionals. Those attaining the CPPS designation represent a group of committed professionals from across health care who are determined to advance the patient safety field and make the healthcare system safer for all.

“These eight Kansans from hospitals, clinics and health care organizations across the state began this process over a year ago with an investment in their professional development,” said Kendra Tinsley, KHC executive director and another CPPS certification recipient. “We recognize them for the extensive time and effort they have contributed to expanding the leadership for improved health care in Kansas.”

Hartkopp recently transitioned from Wesley’s market director of quality and infection prevention to Wesley’s vice president of quality and infection prevention. He joined Wesley’s quality and infection prevention department in 2015 and has been instrumental in reducing Wesley’s healthcare-associated infections and blood-stream infections, including receiving national recognition for his efforts in identifying and treating sepsis.

“Patient safety is Wesley’s number one priority,” Brett said. “And I’m honored to be leading the hospital’s effort to improve the quality of patient care and reduce the risk of infections for patients and visitors.”