GOUVERNEUR -- Following a three-day unannounced inspection visit, Gouverneur Hospital has achieved what officials describe as "quality-based reaccreditation" by DNV-GL Healthcare.

By earning reaccreditation, Gouverneur Hospital demonstrates "it meets or exceeds patient safety standards set forth by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," according to a news release. DNV-GL Healthcare is the only quality assurance program for hospitals that integrates ISO 9001 Quality Management System with Medicare Conditions of Participation.

“Reaccreditation under this rigorous program shows our employees’ and medical staff members’ unwavering commitment to patient safety and care quality,” David Bender, Gouverneur Hospital CEO, said in a prepared statement. “ISO 9001 is the world’s gold standard used by all kinds of industries to drive performance improvements,” he said. “Ask anyone in industry how difficult it is to achieve ISO 9001 standards and you’ll know how hard our people have worked to achieve this,” he said.

DNV-GL’s accreditation program, called NIAHO (National Integrated Accreditation of Healthcare Systems), involves annual hospital inspections and encourages hospitals to openly share across departments and to discover improvements in clinical workflows and safety protocols.

"Every hospital department is involved, from housekeeping and nutrition services to the operating room. Inspectors delve into every aspect of a patient visit, including record-keeping, billing, and elements impacting employee, visitor, and patient safety such as ensuring doorways and hallways are clear and sterilization procedures are of the highest industry standards," according to the news release.

Gouverneur Hospital was first accredited by DNV-GL Healthcare in 2014. At the time of first accreditation under the NIAHO program, hospitals are given three years to achieve the integrated ISO 9001 accreditation.

For information about Gouverneur Hospital visit www.gvnrhospital.org or www.ourfutureisbright.org.