February 9, 2004

Dear Colleagues:

As you know, the American Hospital Association conducted a site visit
at The Johns Hopkins Hospital late last week to observe the great work
we are doing related to patient safety. Feedback from our surveyors was
very positive and we want to commend our entire Hopkins family,
especially those of you who were interviewed or who were involved in
preparing for the visit.

Surveyors commented that while senior leadership clearly had
demonstrated an ongoing commitment to making Hopkins safe, there also is
evidence of a growing culture of safety, which was abundantly apparent
in all aspects of the visit.

During the visit, five patient care units and the pharmacy were
visited. Faculty and staff representing clinical and non-clinical areas
had opportunities to discuss their experience and roles with patient
safety and to showcase safety activities in which they have been
involved. In addition, a number of patients were interviewed.

We should be very proud as an organization of all we have done and are
doing to improve patient safety. We thank you for your dedication and
support of this effort and we look forward to sharing additional
feedback with you in the future.

Sincerely,