The UAB Health System announced the winners of its inaugural Innovation Awards, which acknowledge inventive programs, policies and processes implemented by its entities and affiliates during the past two years that led to significant, measurable improvements in patient care or operational efficiency.

Three winners were selected in each of two categories, impact and creativity. Montgomery-based affiliate Baptist Health took first place in both categories.

“We want to recognize outstanding effort with this program, and we also want to use it as a forum for sharing these ideas so we can all gain from the creativity of others,” said Health System CEO William Ferniany, Ph.D. “The UAB Health System is both internationally renowned and the heart of health care in Alabama in large part because of its innovative network of services that provides a complete range of care for patients from all over the world.

Creativity honors also were awarded to the Ambassador and Bereavement programs at UAB Hospital. Impact honors also were awarded to UAB Hospital for efforts to ensure a safe, consistent blood supply and to reduce documentation time using Electronic Medical Records.