Calvert Memorial Hospital was recently named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading accreditor of healthcare organizations. CMH was recognized for exemplary performance in using practices shown to improve care for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgery. Only 16 hospitals in Maryland and 33 percent of all Joint-Commission accredited hospitals nationwide earned this distinction.
An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 20,000 healthcare organizations in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.
“We take great pride in having earned a spot on this prestigious list,” said Calvert Memorial Hospital President and CEO Jim Xinis. “It underscores our continuing commitment to raising our quality and safety to higher levels.”
He said the recognition by The Joint Commission is significant because the measures they use are based on scientific evidence about practices that lead to better patient outcomes.
The ratings are determined based on data reported to The Joint Commission for 2012. To qualify, Calvert Memorial achieved 95 percent or above on key quality measures – such as giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients or giving antibiotics one hour before surgery.
A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. The measures are based on best practice or what has proven effective over time according to the latest clinical research.
“Calvert Memorial and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and should be proud of their achievement,” said Mark Chassin, MD, president and CEO of The Joint Commission.
“We understand that what matters most to patients at Calvert Memorial Hospital is safe, effective care. That is why CMH has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes,” said Xinis. “Our entire organization is proud to receive the distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.”
