LAKEPORT — Sutter Lakeside Hospital”s clinical laboratory has earned the Joint Commission”s gold seal of approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance its national standards for health care quality and safety.
An independent, nonprofit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation”s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
Sutter Lakeside”s clinical laboratory underwent an unannounced on-site survey in March, according to Rebecca Southwick, Developmental Officer of Sutter Lakeside Hospital. A team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care that directly affect the quality and safety of diagnostic services and patient care.
“Our clinical laboratory provides a vital service to Lake County, as it remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides our clinicians with more than 70 percent of our diagnoses. Achieving Joint Commission accreditation is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide to our community,” stated Siri Nelson, Sutter Lakeside Hospital Chief Administrative Officer.
The Joint Commission has been evaluating and accrediting laboratory services since 1979, Southwick stated. Today, it accredits almost 2,000 organizations providing laboratory services.
Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.
