MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – West Virginia University Hospitals-East City Hospital recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of
Approval™ for its total hip and knee replacement surgery programs, demonstrating compliance with national standards for healthcare quality and safety.
To earn this distinction, City Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite evaluation in April by a team of Joint Commission reviewers. The team evaluated the organization for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of joint replacement patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The Joint Commission found that City Hospital met and exceeded those established standards.
"In achieving Joint Commission certification, the staff at City Hospital and our team of orthopedic surgeons have demonstrated our commitment to the highest level of care for patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery,” said Anthony P. Zelenka, chief administrative officer.
More than 92 hip replacements and more than 175 knee replacement surgeries are performed at City Hospital annually. The hip and knee replacement program is comprised of a multidisciplinary team representing surgery, anesthesia, nursing, pharmacy, quality, physical therapy, occupational therapy, food and nutrition, and social work.
“This team approach enhances the individualized, patient-centered care delivered at every stage – from pre-admission to acute hospital stay and discharge,” stated Peggy Ziegler, RN, director of orthopedic services. “Achieving the prestigious Joint Commission certification distinguishes us for the excellent care the orthopedic team provides to our patients and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving patient care.”
The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.
City Hospital is one of only three hospitals in West Virginia to achieve certification in hip and knee replacement from The Joint Commission.
“Receiving the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for hip and knee joint replacement means exceptional patient care and patient safety are a top priority for our team at City Hospital,” Zelenka said, adding, "We’re very honored to receive this recognition, and consider it evidence that WVUH-East City Hospital has a commitment to provide world-class orthopedic care."
For more information on programs and services at WVUH-East City Hospital, visit www.wvuh-east.org.