The laboratory at Crossing Rivers Health recently completed a rigorous, three-day onsite review by The Joint Commission, resulting in a successful survey.
Each year, the staff performs more than 220,000 tests and takes a part in the care of more than 25,000 patient encounters. The exceptional survey for Crossing Rivers Health earns The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Laboratory Accreditation, reflecting the healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization created in 1951 that accredits more than 20,000 US healthcare programs and organizations. With specific quality measures holding health care organizations accountable for health-related outcomes, they offer an unbiased assessment of patient care and safety.
“The laboratory team follows stringent quality assurance measures every day to ensure that we are producing timely and accurate results for our healthcare providers in a safe environment for our patients,” says Barb Welsch, Director of Laboratory Services at Crossing Rivers Health.
During the unannounced visit earlier this month, the reviewer from The Joint Commission evaluated compliance with laboratory standards in areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and quality system assessment to ensure the laboratory delivers the highest quality care to its patients.
Medical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in patients’ early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The CDC estimates that 70% of medical decisions depend on laboratory results. Laboratory professionals play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy.
“I am extremely proud of my staff for maintaining this level of excellence and for their commitment to our community,” says Welsch.