Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission‘s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.
The accreditation became effective May 13 after Riverwood underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey on March 22 and 23, 2011. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the Aitkin hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The accreditation award recognizes Riverwood’s dedication to complying with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.
“We sought accreditation for our organization because we want to show patients that we are committed to the highest level of safety and quality care,” explains Michael Hagen, Riverwood CEO. “Joint Commission accreditation signals the medical excellence patients can expect when they seek care at our hospital here in Aitkin. We are firmly committed to making continuous improvement in the healthcare we provide to patients.”
Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, executive director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission, adds: “In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Riverwood has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients. Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Riverwood for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. For more information, go to www.jointcommission.org