Washington Hospital Healthcare System awarded Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery from The Joint Commission

(Fremont, CA, Jan. 25, 2024) – Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS) by demonstrating excellence that reflects the organization’s commitment to provide safe, high-quality patient care. WHHS is one of 20 hospitals across the country to attain this prestigious certification.

The Joint Commission conducted a rigorous, on-site review in November 2023, to evaluate compliance with related certification standards including clinical information management, program management, supporting self-management, and delivering or facilitating quality in clinical care. The Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted on-site observations and interviews with Healthcare System employees and providers.

“This recognition celebrates Washington Hospital Healthcare System as a premiere destination for routine and complex spine surgery cases,” said Kimberly Hartz, chief executive officer of Washington Hospital Healthcare System. “Advanced certification in spine surgery underscores our commitment to the Patient First Ethic, delivering an elevated level of care, and solidifying our position as a trusted institution where patients can find expertise, advanced care, and a commitment to optimal outcomes in spine surgery.”

To be eligible for ACSS, organizations must implement rigorous, evidence-based care and clinical practice guidelines, and participate in the American Spine Registry, a national quality improvement registry for spine care. Additionally, organizations need to collect performance measurement data on surgical site infection rates, new neurological deficits, unplanned return visits to the operating room, and preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcomes.

“Achieving spine surgery certification by The Joint Commission demonstrates our dedication to leading-edge care, solidifying WHHS as an example of quality and innovation in the realm of spine surgery,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Eldan Eichbaum, medical director of the WHHS Spine Center. “We are honored to be recognized for our collective efforts in ensuring well-being and optimal outcomes for the community members we serve."

Offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the certification helps organizations provide consistent communication and collaboration among all health care providers involved in the care of the patient – from the pre-surgical consultation with the spine surgeon to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgery center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the surgeon. Advanced spine certification reflects the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of expert specialists who implement highly reliable processes with precision and care.

“Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery recognizes health care organizations committed to 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, The Joint Commission. “We commend WHHS 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.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

About Washington Township Health Care District

Washington Township Health Care District is governed by a publically elected board and includes Washington Hospital Healthcare System. Unlike a municipal or county hospital, Washington Hospital’s operating expenses, research, community programs, and employee salaries are funded by revenues generated through providing patient and other health care services. Opened in 1958, Washington Hospital Healthcare System has grown to include a 415-bed, acute-care hospital; the Taylor McAdam Bell Neuroscience Institute; UCSF-Washington Cancer Center; Washington Outpatient Surgery Center; Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center; Institute for Joint Restoration and Research; Washington Township Medical Foundation; and Washington West, a complex which houses UCSF-Washington Cancer Center, Washington Women’s Center, Outpatient Imaging Center, Sandy Amos RN Infusion Center and additional outpatient hospital services and administrative facilities. Discover more at whhs.com, and through Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram.