Ascension Saint Agnes earned an award and certification from a national orthopedic surgery group for its work with patients undergoing hip and knee replacements.
The medical center in Southwest Baltimore earned The Joint Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification” for its compliance with the commission’s performance standards.
Chief of Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Sam Sydney noted that Ascension Saint Agnes is one of only four hospitals in the state to receive the distinction. “I am very proud of this award. This has been the result of many years of work by a dedicated team to achieve this recognition by the Joint Commission,” he said in a news release.
The award is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s “commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.” The certification, offered with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the entire medical process from pre-surgical orthopedic consultation rehabilitation and follow-up appointments.
Ascension Saint Agnes underwent an unannounced onsite review Nov. 16. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with certification standards, including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care.
Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients.
The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” the Joint Commision’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Pelletier said. “We commend Ascension Saint Agnes for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for orthopedic patients.”
Ascension Saint Agnes Orthopedic Director Dr. Brandi Blevins said, “This achievement reflects our expertise, dedication and commitment to our patients undergoing total joint replacements at Ascension Saint Agnes. We have always known we had a high achieving program and this distinction has validated that for us.”
Read More Health Care
Copyright © 2022 Catholic Review Media
