Only hospital in area with certification in all three areas and one of two in the state

MEMPHIS, TENN., DEC. 13, 2019 ― Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip, Knee, and Spine Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s performance standards.

The distinction marks Saint Francis-Bartlett as the area’s only hospital holding certifications in all three areas, and only one of two in the state.

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 focuses on the whole spectrum of orthopedic care, from the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the surgery itself, rehabilitation and follow-up.

Saint Francis-Bartlett underwent a rigorous, two-day onsite review beginning Oct. 22. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted on-site observations and interviews to gain further insights.

“The Joint Commission accreditation offers further proof of the robust and clinically strong orthopedic services we have to offer the community,” said Chris Locke, CEO of Saint Francis-Bartlett.

Dr. Michael Hood, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Saint Francis-Bartlett, said “The accreditation demonstrates the dedication to high quality care the hospital provides to total joint patients. We have worked hard to provide safe and efficient care for the total joint patient that maximizes their recovery and minimizes down time.”

Over the last 12 months, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons affiliated with Saint Francis-Bartlett have performed 615 spine and joint replacement surgeries at the hospital.

Total Hip, Knee, and Spine Certification recognizes health care organizations commitment to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Saint Francis-Bartlett for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for orthopedic patients.”