Saint Clare's Hospital Completes Successful Continuation of Accreditation From Joint Commission

October 28, 2008

Weston, WI--On October 21 and 22, 2008, a survey team from the Joint Commission made an unannounced site visit to Saint Clare’s Hospital as part of its three year accreditation process.

The team spent nearly two full days on site at the hospital to perform a thorough review following a rigorous set of national standards for hospital performance. The outcome was a successful continuation of accreditation which is recognized nationally as the Gold Seal of Approval in health care.

Each year the Joint Commission reviews performance at hundreds of hospitals across the nation large and small. Meeting Joint Commission standards reflects sound practices in the day-to-day delivery of quality and safe patient care. A Joint Commission survey serves as an independent audit of an organization's commitment to continuous quality improvement.

“The Joint Commission survey was a very positive experience for all of us,” stated Mary Krueger, President of Saint Clare’s Hospital.” “This process uses a rigorous methodology that examines the patient experience in depth. Our staff and the care we deliver each day not only met all requirements but passed with very high recommendations. It was very exciting to have the work we do validated so positively.”

Meeting Joint Commission standards means that the hospital is committed to continuous improvement and delivering safe, high-quality care. Care provided at Saint Clare’s meets National Patient Safety Goals and goals set for National Quality Improvement.

“Being our first unannounced visit, it was important to emphasize the importance of staff involvement in the survey process due to the extensive focus on patient care,” added Krueger. “Our doctors, nurses, and care teams meet and exceed national standards and we are very pleased with this outcome and what it means to our community.”

The Joint Commission has been accrediting hospitals for more than fifty years. Its accreditation is a nationwide seal of approval that indicates a hospital meets high performance standards. Accreditation helps hospitals improve their performance, raise the level of patient care, and demonstrate accountability in the rapidly changing health care marketplace.