Good Samaritan University Hospital Awarded Spine Surgery Certification from The Joint Commission

Good Samaritan University Hospital (West Islip, NY) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Spine Surgery Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 
 
The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for spine surgery. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge. 
 
“Good Samaritan continues to strive for excellence, adding recognition as a Joint Commission Spine Surgery certified facility as part of its numerous programs related to quality,” said President of Good Samaritan University Hospital Ruth E. Hennessey. “Our surgical team adopted the high standard performance measures required for this recognition that focused on surgical site infection rates, DVT-PE rates, indwelling catheter removal and patient ambulation. Overall, this has elevated Good Samaritan’s surgical services and, more importantly, improved patient care. I congratulate this team for helping to shape the future of health care on Long Island.”
 
Good Samaritan underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in 2023. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
 
Good Samaritan is one of the leaders of neurosurgery and spine surgery on Long Island. With degenerative spine disease being one of the most prevalent and costly disease states worldwide, providing the highest quality care and patient experience is of the utmost importance for common surgeries including spinal fusion, decompression and discectomy surgery. As a Joint Commission certified program, Good Samaritan has developed consistent collaboration and communication with all health care providers involved in the care of the spine surgery patient, from pre-surgical consultation to the intraoperative hospitalization, rehabilitation activities and then follow-up.
 
“Spine Surgery Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer of The Joint Commission. “We commend Good Samaritan University Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
 
In 2023, Good Samaritan announced the construction of its new 500 million, 300,000-square-foot Patient Care Pavilion, which will feature a 75-bay emergency department, 16 high-tech replacement operating rooms and three floors of private patient rooms as well as larger and enhanced clinical areas.
 
Learn more about services offered at Good Samaritan University Hospital.