MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation for what hospital officials call “demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.” The award is “a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care,” MMH said.

The hospital underwent what officials call “a rigorous, four-day unannounced on-site survey in March.” A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards in several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management. Surveyors also conducted on-site observations and interviews.

"We are very pleased to receive the Joint Commission accreditation after a rigorous four-day visit. This accreditation is a reflection of the continued commitment of our talented physicians and staff,” said MMH CEO Bob Wolleben. “Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide. My personal thanks go out to all the members of our healthcare team who make a difference every day in the care we provide.”

The Joint Commission’s standards address functions relating to patient care and hospital management. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients, MMH said. The Joint Commission Accreditation MMH received also covers the Brasher Falls Family Health Center, Louisville Family Health Center, MMH Outpatient Center and Physical Therapy and the Norfolk Family Health Center.

“The surveyors not only did patient tracers within the hospital, but visited all of the outreach facilities and clinics. The staff found the survey was very educational and the surveyors were here to help us,” said Jackie Matthie, director of performance improvement.

“The accreditation is proof of an organizational-wide commitment to provide quality care on a continual basis. Our staff once again demonstrated what makes MMH unique—great staff providing the best care. It is truly a team effort from the Board of Managers, Medical Staff, Directors, and every employee. In two words…excellent work!” Wolleben said.

“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,” said Joint Commission Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations COO Mark G. Pelletier. “In addition, our accreditation helps hospitals enhance their risk management and risk reduction strategies. We commend Massena Memorial Hospital for its efforts to become a quality improvement organization.”

The Joint Commission has accredited hospitals for more than 60 years, MMH said. More than 4,000 general, children’s, long-term acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and specialty hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission, awarded for a three-year period. In addition, approximately 360 critical access hospitals maintain accreditation through a separate program, according to MMH.