HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The local hospital system recently achieved a milestone deserving of special recognition.
The Joint Commission, a prestigious national organization headquartered in Oakbrook, Ill., bestowed the Gold Seal of Approval on Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC), the Behavioral Health Unit at HRMC, Health-E-Quip, and Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County.
In February 2016, Joint Commission surveyors made an unannounced visit to HRHS and, during an intensive four-day survey, evaluated such areas as emergent care, infection prevention, leadership, medication management, environmental safety and medical record documentation. The surveyors interviewed employees to determine their level of knowledge and expertise. An appraisal of the physical structure of the entities was also conducted.
It was noted that the surveyors were especially complimentary of the high quality of patient care provided and, at the same time, pointed out a few areas in need of improvement.
Leadership at HRHS recognizes the process required for accreditation is an ongoing effort. Education of staff is important and occurs in various ways throughout the year, from internal communications to actual mock surveys.
Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, Chief Operating Officer for the Joint Commission, lauded HRHS for successful efforts to achieve accreditation.
“Joint Commission accreditation provides hospitals with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas from the enhancement of staff education to the improvement of daily business operations,” Pelletier said. “In addition, our accreditation helps hospitals enhance their risk management and risk reduction strategies. We commend Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System in Kansas for its efforts to become a quality improvement organization.”
Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said that accreditations and certifications with respected national healthcare organizations are a matter of highest priority.
“Accreditation with the Joint Commission is no easy task and is representative of hours and months of tedious attention to detail,” Johnson said. “As is standard operating procedure at HRHS, the healthcare professionals rose to the challenge to achieve a highly coveted national designation.”
Johnson said an employee barbecue is scheduled for June 23 to celebrate the national accreditation and recognize HRHS employees.
The Joint Commission was established in 1952 and accredits more than 4,000 hospitals and healthcare entities throughout the nation.
The Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System consists of five entities including Ray E. Dillon Living Center, Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, Horizons Mental Health Center, Health-E-Quip, Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.