MedStar Harbor Hospital News

Harbor Hospital Earns Certification from The Joint Commission for Stroke and Joint Replacement of Hip and Knee
09/19/2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jean Bunker
o: 410.350.2189
jean.bunker@medstar.net

Nikki Laska
o: 410.350.2119
nikki.laska@medstar.net

Megan Loewe
o: 410.350.2138
megan.r.loewe@medstar.net

BALTIMORE—Harbor Hospital has received certification by The Joint Commission for Joint Replacement of the Hip and Knee, as well as advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center. These certification awards recognize Harbor Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Harbor Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site survey, evaluated by a team of The Joint Commission surveyors for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

Only 10 percent of hospitals nationwide have received this prestigious level of recognition. It is a reflection of the outstanding quality care Harbor Hospital provides to our orthopaedic patients each and every day.

“The certification process is a true team effort, and I thank each of you for your contributions to our collective success as a hospital,” said Dennis Pullin, President of Harbor Hospital. “This certification is one more way Harbor distinguishes itself by offering exceptional medical services in a personalized community hospital setting—the best of both worlds.”

The Joint Commission’s Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards, effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care, and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Learn more about The Joint Commission at harborhospital.org/jointcommission.

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For more than a century, Harbor Hospital has grown alongside the communities it serves in Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties. The hospital was first established in 1903 as a small community clinic servicing the waterfront community in Baltimore. More than 100 years later, the 193-bed hospital continues to offer the personal touch of a community hospital while incorporating the excellence of a high technology medical center. It has been the recipient of the Delmarva Foundation’s highest honor, the Excellence Award for Quality for Hospitals, in 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

With more than 500 physicians representing 30 medical and surgical specialties, and more than 1,500 employees, the hospital offers a full range of health care services for patients from infancy through the senior years. Harbor Hospital’s specialty areas include orthopedics, women’s services, cancer care, diabetes care, fetal assessment, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, and treatment of chronic lung conditions. The hospital’s continuum of care also includes wellness programs, outpatient services and inpatient treatment.

Harbor Hospital is part of MedStar Health, a not-for-profit, regional healthcare system with nine hospitals and more than 20 other health-related services in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region. MedStar Health's patient-first philosophy emphasizes service, quality and safety, combining compassionate care and clinical excellence. More than a half-million patients trust their care to MedStar Health each year. medstarhealth.org

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