Winthrop Receives High Marks, Accreditation

Once again, Winthrop-University Hospital and Winthrop Home Health Care have received accreditation - and the highest praise - from The Joint Commission (formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or JCAHO).

Friday, November 30 marked the end of an intense week of hospital-wide scrutiny by Joint Commission surveyors at Winthrop. As administrators and staff in all departments heaved a collective sigh of relief, the surveyors announced that the Hospital had passed its accreditation survey with flying colors, and that the surveyors were absolutely impressed with the level of care and attention to detail demonstrated in all areas that they visited.

During the unannounced 4-day site visit, representatives of The Joint Commission thoroughly assessed four major aspects of Winthrop's day-to-day operations:

• Environment of Care

• Infection prevention and control

• Medication safety

• Patient safety

A team of surveyors observed activities, interviewed physicians and staff, and examined documents for accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness. In addition, they spoke directly with patients currently hospitalized at Winthrop.

When all was said and done, The Joint Commission surveyors reported that they were thoroughly impressed with the consistently high quality of care they observed, and the environment of safety Winthrop provides to its patients. "It was clear to us," one surveyor said, "that Winthrop is so successful in providing an environment of safety because the Winthrop staff lives a culture of safety."

Following the closing remarks by the Joint Commission surveyors, Charles Strain, Chairman of Winthrop's Board of Directors; Daniel P. Walsh, President and CEO of Winthrop; and Val Terzano, Vice President, Nursing, congratulated Team Winthrop leaders on the successful Joint Commission survey.

When Mr. Strain addressed the group, he said, "As Chairman of the Board of Winthrop-University Hospital, I want to tell you how proud I am, as a volunteer and also as a member of the community served by Winthrop. It is especially gratifying to know that we have a hospital of Winthrop's caliber serving our community." Mr. Strain added, "it is truly rewarding to hear such high praise about Winthrop's superior quality care and focus on patient safety from independent surveyors who have visited hospitals across the country."

The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and most respected healthcare accrediting body. It has been accrediting hospitals for more than 50 years, and its Gold Seal of Approval indicates that Winthrop meets the highest standards of performance for patient care and safety.

Once again, Winthrop-University Hospital has been recognized by this prestigious organization for doing what it does every day: providing "Care without compromise" in a "Welcoming and world-class" environment.