Press Releases

Tampa, FL (November 10, 2006) — On Thursday, Nov. 9, Surgical Safety Institute, a Tampa based company that provides technology, training and on-going support to healthcare institutions in order to prevent surgical error in the operating room (OR), was honored as the Emerging Technology Company of the Year by Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF). The Forum's third annual Industry Achievements Awards, which recognize the excellence and leadership of technology companies and individuals in the Bay area, were presented at a black-tie gala event held at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Tampa.

"We are honored to receive this award from the Tampa Bay Technology Forum," says Richard C. Karl, M.D., founder of Surgical Safety Institute, a company that recently was cited in The New York Times article, "What Pilots Can Teach Hospitals About Patient Safety" by Kate Murphy (Oct. 31, 2006). "Our company has sought to be on the cutting edge of technology - developing tools and training to make a difference in healthcare. Modeled from successful aviation safety techniques, we have used software in combination with our expert training courses to set up a system that can effectively decrease the chances of surgical error."

"The quality and diversity of the firms and individuals nominated for this year's Industry Achievement Award was outstanding," says Andy Hafer, president and chief executive officer of TBTF. "The finalists selected are excellent examples of the wealth of innovation, talent and community involvement present in Tampa Bay's technology industry."

Surgical Safety Institute was founded in 2004. Recognizing that the Institute of Medicine (an advisory group to the U.S. government charged with examination of policy matters pertaining to public health) has estimated that as many as 98,000 patients die each year in U.S. hospitals due to adverse events that are caused by error, Surgical Safety Institute was inspired by the success of aviation safety techniques that are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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