The Aroostook Medical Center recently earned a Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for demonstrating compliance with national standards for healthcare quality and safety. The Gold Seal of Approval is awarded to hospitals that successfully complete the Joint Commission’s accreditation process.

“The Aroostook Medical Center seeks accreditation because it confirms that we are providing care at a very high level,” said Dave Peterson, President/CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center. “The survey also provides us insight into what we can do to provide even better care.”

Hospitals seeking accreditation are surveyed every three years by the Joint Commission. During the three-day survey in December, on-site surveyors reviewed aspects of The Aroostook Medical Center’s operations, particularly those areas which relate to patient safety and quality of care. The surveyors interviewed patients and staff from many different areas of the organization, reviewed procedures, and completed a thorough evaluation of The Aroostook Medical Center’s facilities.

"Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization's performance and the outcomes of care," says Darlene Christiansen, executive director, Hospital Accreditation Program, Joint Commission. "The community should be proud that The Aroostook Medical Center is focusing on the most challenging goal -- to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels."

The Joint Commission also verified The Aroostook Medical Center’s compliance with the National Patient Safety Goals, a program created in 2002 to help improve medication safety, reduce hospital-acquired infections, and address other areas of hospital care. The Aroostook Medical Center, like all other accredited hospitals, must maintain compliance with the specific components of the program to remain accredited.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 healthcare organizations in the United States, including over 8,000 hospitals.

“To remain accredited, hospitals must satisfy rigorous requirements,” added Peterson. “As a result, the community can expect a firm, ongoing commitment from The Aroostook Medical Center to maintain and improve quality and safety.”

The Aroostook Medical Center is a member of EMHS. Members of EMHS bring unique qualities, skills, and resources to other EMHS members, helping the whole become stronger.