Author Archives: Christian Bigwater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2023

GANADO, Ariz – On Tuesday, March 7, Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) successfully completed its survey by The Joint Commission. From February 28 through March 7, the hospital underwent a comprehensive review of its life safety and healthcare quality standards practices and procedures for patient care.

The results of the survey were anticipated to be released to the hospital within one week after completing the survey, however, the final review was completed the very same day. The hospital will now have 60-days to formulate correct action plans for each of the findings listed by the surveyors.

“We are pleased with the final results of the survey and applaud our staff for their commitment to patient safety and quality standards,” said SMH CEO Melinda White. “It is our goal to ensure each patient receives the highest quality of care, and The Joint Commission survey helps us to achieve that goal – I could not be more proud of our team.”

White indicates that this was a successful survey for the hospital, with very few findings and minimal performance deficiencies. The surveyors identified minor non-compliance areas and provided feedback on how to make improvements, which the hospital is already addressing. White also noted that all findings listed are on a “standard level” meaning that the hospital can address any corrective actions needed with documentation alone – and that an onsite follow-up visit from Joint Commission surveyors is not necessary.

“This tri-annual survey helps to ensure that the hospital is up to date with safety and quality standards set forth by The Joint Commission,” White added. “The survey also highlights any potential risks to patient safety and helps the hospital to take corrective action immediately.”

The survey process was rigorous and included an extensive review of SMH operations and processes, including interviews with hospital leadership, staff and patients. The Joint Commission team also conducted a review of SMH’s patient care practice, medical records, infection control, quality management and leadership.

The Joint Commission Survey team included Lisa Nowak, MD, FACS and Bruce Boggan, who evaluated SMH’s Clinical and Life Safety practices. “I’m here to work with you, to learn from you and of course validate your standards,” said Joint Commission Surveyor Lisa Nowak, MD, FACS. “I’m here with a fresh pair of eyes…if there is something going on that can hurt a patient, we want to correct that.”

Departments surveyed included the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging/Radiology, Lab Services, Central Sterile Processing, Medical Telemetry Unit (MTU), Dietary and Nutrition Services, Infection Prevention and Control, Pharmacy Services, Physical Therapy and Respiratory Therapy Care Services, Dental, Safety, Fleet Management, Outpatient and Human Resources.

Although the survey is done every three years, with the construction of the new SMH hospital the accreditation process will have to be reevaluated and reassessed to ensure the new facility meets the highest standards of quality and safety. The new facility is currently undergoing construction and is expected to open its doors in early 2024.

About the Joint Commission

The Joint Commission is the premier accreditation organization among health care organizations in the United States with standards that are recognized nationwide as a reliable measure of quality and performance.  They ensure hospital organizations meet the latest safety, quality and performance standards for patient care. Known as the “Gold Seal of Approval,” accreditation by the Joint Commission reflects a superior level of quality of care and performance not easily achieved.

For more information about The Joint Commission, please visit www.jointcommission.org. For more information on Sage Memorial Hospital and its accreditation, please visit www.sagememorial.com

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Christian Bigwater
Director of Public Relations/Marketing
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532
Cell – (928) 221-4205