February 2026 Newsletter

In the News This Month

Greetings Everyone,

Amidst the winter months risks for winter colds and viruses as well as falls from inclement weather substantially increase. This month’s article’s authored by Denise Smith, Head of Consulting and Senior Consultant highlight safety measures healthcare organizations can put into place to help limit the frequency and severity of these events.

Preventive Measures to Help Restrain Winter Colds and Viruses” explains some of the reasons why colder weather increases illness and the severity of it while providing preventive measures organizations can use to keep patients and staff healthy.

Fall Prevention Strategies During Inclement Weather” outlines mitigation strategies to help prevent injuries.

Thank you for taking the time to read our articles. We hope this information is helpful in assisting you with accreditation and regulatory compliance needs. For future topics or should you require our services, please reach out to us at info@courtemanche-assocs.com. Our team is always available and eager to assist you in any way we can.

Hospital staff wearing mask and disinfecting patient room and bed.

Preventive Measures to Help Restrain Winter Colds and Viruses

There is a dramatic increase in hospitalizations for colds, flu and respiratory illnesses during the colder months. Learn the causes

The Author

Denise Smith is Head of Consulting Services and a Senior Consultant at Courtemanche & Associates. Working in collaboration with the C&A Leaders, Denise manages Courtemanche & Associate’s business development initiatives and provides consulting services and support. With her extensive healthcare experience, Denise serves as a knowledgeable resource to new and existing clients, helping to guide them through their accreditation and regulatory needs.

Denise has more than 40 years of experience and expertise in Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Quality and Resource Management, Clinical Education, in acute inpatient and outpatient care settings. Clinically, Denise is a licensed Registered Nurse with an extensive background in Infection Prevention and Control for perioperative settings, sterile processing, and quality management. Additionally, she is a Certified Legal Nurse and has aided organizations for EMTALA, Medical-Surgical, and Health Care Administration areas of concern.

Denise Smith, Head of Consulting and Senior Consultant
slippery when wet sign in front of hospital

Fall Prevention Strategies During Inclement Weather

Every winter, inclement weather events contribute to slips, trips, and falls. Learn mitigation strategies to prevent serious injury to patients

The Author

Denise Smith is Head of Consulting Services and a Senior Consultant at Courtemanche & Associates. Working in collaboration with the C&A Leaders, Denise manages Courtemanche & Associate’s business development initiatives and provides consulting services and support. With her extensive healthcare experience, Denise serves as a knowledgeable resource to new and existing clients, helping to guide them through their accreditation and regulatory needs.

Denise has more than 40 years of experience and expertise in Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Quality and Resource Management, Clinical Education, in acute inpatient and outpatient care settings. Clinically, Denise is a licensed Registered Nurse with an extensive background in Infection Prevention and Control for perioperative settings, sterile processing, and quality management. Additionally, she is a Certified Legal Nurse and has aided organizations for EMTALA, Medical-Surgical, and Health Care Administration areas of concern.

 

Denise Smith, Head of Consulting and Senior Consultant
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C&A is a division of SAYAS Alliance. Through our sister company Medical Resources Network, we also offer a range of legal nurse consulting services, including medical record review and analysis, medical chronologies, peer review, retention of medical experts, and adverse event and call center management. Learn more.

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