Vidant Bertie and Chowan Hospital’s Shine during Survey

March 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Vidant Bertie and Chowan Hospitals were recently visited by the Joint Commission, a not for profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.  This visit, called a survey, included two days of specialized review of the care provided in both hospitals.  

Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.  Joint Commission visits the two hospitals every three years to ensure that safe, high quality care is being delivered to patients.  While hospitals are not required to have this certification, it is widely considered the “gold seal” of approval for healthcare organizations. Both hospitals completed the surveys with wonderful results, proving our commitment to providing the best possible care.  

The survey included examination of data and records management, staff competency, patient safety goals, leadership and life safety / environment of care. A Nurse surveyor performed “patient tracers”, where the patient’s chart is followed throughout their hospital visit.  Because patients may receive care in various departments like emergency, radiology and medical/surgical, the “patient tracer” method ensures that patients received optimal care tailored for their needs regardless of where that care was provided.  

Additionally a specially trained “life safety surveyor” reviewed the environment of care. Environment of care includes disaster preparedness, hazardous materials handling, infection control and building maintenance.  This surveyor works to ensure that our facility is as safe as possible and that staff members are trained to deal with issues like fires, infant abductions and hazardous waste disposal among many others.  

“Our Joint Commission survey results are evidence of the wonderful care provided here,” said Beverly Venters, quality nurse manager for Vidant Chowan Hospital.  “You can’t prepare for a successful Joint Commission Survey unless you provide that care everyday.”

“The results highlight the commitment of all staff, from physicians to housekeeping, to providing the best possible care everyday,” said Mona Hughes, quality nurse manager for Vidant Bertie Hospital.  “Like Beverly said we are always ready for a survey, because we are always striving to do the right things for patients.”

The last survey performed at Vidant Chowan Hospital in 2009 reported seven recommendations for improvement for the hospital and six for its Skilled Nursing Unit.  At Vidant Bertie 10 recommendations for improvement were reported.  In 2012 Vidant Chowan only had one recommendation for improvement for the main hospital with two for the Skilled Nursing Facility, while Vidant Bertie received three recommendations for improvement. The recommendations included enhancing language in clinical contracts, improving medication management and security, improving infection control processes and eliminating unapproved abbreviations. Action plans have been implemented to address each of the recommendations.

“The results of the JCAHO survey at both facilities were outstanding,” said Jeff Sackrison, president of Vidant Bertie and Chowan Hospitals.  “They show our organizations’ commitment to providing the safe high quality care that supports our promise to provide exceptional experiences and optimal outcomes.”