(Columbia, SC, Oct 16, 2013.) Self Regional Healthcare and Self Medical Group in Greenwood, South Carolina were two of seven recipients of a Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT) Most Improved Safety Award at the 11th Annual PHTS Safe Patient Handling Conference & PHT Awards Luncheon.  Healthcare professionals from around the state attended a recent conference conducted by PHT Services, Ltd. (PHTS), a Columbia-based healthcare risk management services company.  PHTS administers PHT, the workers’ compensation group self-insurance pool in which Self Regional Healthcare, Self Medical Group, and other South Carolina healthcare organizations participate.

Most Improved Safety Awards were presented to Palmetto Hospital Trust members with the largest reductions in loss ratio 2011 to 2012 in each of seven categories.  Self Regional Healthcare was the winner in the category of hospitals with 201-500 beds, and Self Medical Group took home the award in the category of Other Facilities.

PHT and its members are known for their emphasis on preventing lifting injuries, trips and falls, injuries from sharp objects, and for helping injured workers return to work as soon as their condition permits.  All of these loss-prevention techniques have been instrumental in helping PHT members earn refunds for their contribution to the group self-insurance program’s success.

Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT) was founded in 1977 by South Carolina healthcare executives as a group workers’ compensation self-insurance pool.  The Trust members include hospitals, continuing care retirement centers, organizations dealing with special needs individuals, and other healthcare organizations.  PHT is a leading provider of workers’ compensation coverage to the state’s healthcare industry. Workers’ compensation services are provided to PHT members under a contract with PHT Services, Ltd., and through business alliances with other best practices companies.

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