Making Rounds
At Cape Fear Valley Health, quality and safety are more than internal goals. They are promises to the community. Every patient deserves exceptional care in a safe, supportive environment, and the Cape Fear Valley team works every day to make that a reality.
The Quality and Patient Safety Department is central to that mission. This team helps ensure that care is consistent, compassionate and continuously improving. From reviewing safety events to supporting staff training, the goal is always the same: better outcomes for patients and a better experience for everyone involved.
“Our approach to quality and safety isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about people,” said Michael A. Ruzek, DO, Chief Quality Officer. “Every patient deserves excellence, and every team member deserves to feel supported. That’s what drives us every day.”
One of the key reasons for the department’s continued success is strong communication. Leaders and frontline staff work together daily to stay informed, aligned, and ready to support one another. Regular team check-ins and clear communication channels keep everyone connected and focused on the same goal: outstanding care.
“When people feel informed, they feel empowered,” Dr. Ruzek said.
The health system also places a strong emphasis on recognizing the hard work and dedication of staff. When team members speak up with ideas or improvements, their contributions are celebrated and shared. This culture of collaboration and appreciation strengthens an already solid foundation.
“Collaboration with Nursing and the Quality team has helped ensure our patients are receiving the highest level of care. By focusing on shared goals, we’ve built a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.” – Patronella Blue, Chief Nursing Officer at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
“We celebrate when people speak up, because that’s how real improvement begins,” said Dr. Ruzek.
That sense of collaboration extends across departments, especially between the Quality team and Nursing leadership.
“I am very appreciative of Dr. Ruzek and the wealth of knowledge he has brought to Cape Fear Valley,” said Patronella Blue, Chief Nursing Officer at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. “His collaboration with Nursing and the Quality team has helped ensure our patients are receiving the highest level of care. By focusing on shared goals, we’ve built a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.”
Cape Fear Valley Health’s commitment to quality extends out to the community. Whether through participation in local health fairs, engaging with schools or sharing updates about our performance, the health system is proud to be a trusted partner and neighbor.
“We know the community has a history with us, marked by both positive, meaningful moments as well as challenges,” Dr. Ruzek said. “Our goal is to continue showing up, with transparency and integrity, and letting our actions speak louder than our words.”
For Dr. Ruzek and the Quality team, leadership is about being present. That means checking in with teams, listening and showing appreciation.
“Culture doesn’t change from a memo. It changes when people feel seen and respected,” he said.
Looking ahead, the hospital is investing in better tools, more training, and stronger programs to support staff and patients. A planned new school for health care professionals will also help train the next generation of providers to carry this mission forward.
“We’re growing with purpose, and the community sees that,” Dr. Ruzek said. “They feel it, and so do our teams. That momentum belongs to all of us.”
