On Sept. 14, three Baptist Health System (BHS) hospitals were named among the nation’s best in quality treatment for needs such as heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.
Princeton Baptist Medical Center (BMC) in Birmingham, Walker BMC in Jasper and Citizens BMC in Talladega, along with seven other Alabama hospitals, earned placement on The Joint Commission’s 2010 list of Top Performers on Key Quality Measures. A total of 405 facilities were honored nationwide.
“Three years ago when we launched our systemwide initiative on quality, we did so understanding that safe, effective care is something our patients expect and deserve,” said Shane Spees, president and CEO of BHS.
“And we have committed ourselves to continually striving to improve care at our hospitals through evidence-based clinical processes. [This] recognition from The Joint Commission validates our efforts.”
The commission requires that hospitals meet or exceed two 95 percent performance thresholds in the quality of their treatment measures to earn a place on the list.
“Recognition by The Joint Commission, the country’s leading accreditation body for acute care and critical access hospitals, is a tremendous accomplishment and truly reflects our focus and commitment to quality in our hospitals,” said Wayne Pate, chairman of the BHS board of trustees.
Dr. Mark R. Chassin, president of The Joint Commission, said the extensive data gleaned by the commission helps keep hospitals accountable for the people of Alabama and the nation.
“Today the public expects transparency in the reporting of performance at the hospitals where they receive care, and The Joint Commission is shining a light on the top performing hospitals such as Citizens Baptist, Princeton Baptist and Walker Baptist that have achieved excellence on a number of vital measures of quality of care,” Chassin said.
Mike McLemore, executive director of Birmingham Baptist Association, called Sept. 14 a “red-letter” day in the life and ministry of BHS. BHS is a ministry of the association, which elects the board of trustees.
“I join with you in rejoicing over this honor, and I am as proud as ever of our hospital system for the quality care it provides to the citizens of our state and region,” McLemore said in an email to Spees.
“The entire family of Birmingham Baptists joins with all of you at the Baptist Health System in giving God the glory for what He has done and continues to do through quality health care in our hospitals and wants to express to every employee of the Baptist Health System our sincere gratitude for a great accomplishment.”
For more information about the commission’s report, visit www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/top_performers.aspx. (TAB)
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