Saint Francis Hospital Awarded Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Certification from The Joint Commission

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Saint Francis Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. Saint Francis is one of just two hospitals in Connecticut and 62 across the United States to earn this prestigious designation. 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 recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for diabetes. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.

Saint Francis underwent a rigorous onsite review on January 18-19. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including program management and leadership, standardization of delivery and facilitation of clinical care, qualified and competent practitioners, patient education, and development of patient goals. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Saint Francis Hospital 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.”

“We are proud to be certified by The Joint Commission for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care in recognition of providing this level of care to our patients,” said Ibitoro Osakwe, M.D., Regional Director of Endocrinology, Trinity Health Of New England. “By ensuring that our nurses, physicians, and other clinical providers are well-informed in treating patients with diabetes, regardless of what they come into the hospital for, we are able to deliver comprehensive care and education.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website or visit the Diabetes & Endocrinology Care Program at Trinity Health Of New England.