The Joint Commission, a national health care accreditation organization, awarded hospital accreditation to Nash Hospitals, Inc. and Home Care accreditation to Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital. The Joint Commission specifically praised the organizations' dedication to quality improvement and outstanding patient care. The accreditation was the result of a week-long survey which was conducted in November.

The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest health care accreditation organization. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission strives to continuously improve the safety and quality of health care provided to the public through the accreditation process. The Joint Commission evaluates more than 15,000 health care organizations nationwide, including more than 7,800 hospitals.

"Joint Commission accreditation represents the highest health care standards and demonstrates that we are committed to providing the best quality patient care. Accreditation represents diligent work from our employees and members of the medical staff," said Larry Chewning, president and CEO of Nash Health Care. "We are very pleased with our accreditation; it demonstrates that patient safety and quality are of paramount importance at Nash Hospitals, Inc. and at Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital."

Nash Hospitals, Inc. received hospital accreditation for services offered at Nash Health Care. Surveyors, who examine everything ranging from patient care to appropriate written abbreviations to fire safety, were highly complimentary of the services offered, commenting that the organization's "continued commitment to quality is evident...good care is being rendered." Surveyors also mentioned that the "emergency management was one of the best among community hospitals...people want to do the right thing."

The Hospice program at Nash General Hospital earned Home Care accreditation as a result of its Joint Commission survey. Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital has served the community for more than 20 years.

"While Joint Commission accreditation is voluntary, Nash Hospitals, Inc. participates because compliance with Joint Commission guidelines represents the highest standards of patient care," said Dr. Michael Crawford, the president of the Nash Health Care Medical Staff. "It is truly the result of innovative teamwork on all organizational levels."

Surveyors may examine anything from medical records to office paper clutter. Not only do surveyors make sure health care organizations are implementing accurate communication between health care providers, but they also make sure that fire exits are clear and employees can locate material safety data sheets.

"Joint Commission surveyors place every aspect of your organization under the microscope, and we believe this not only helps us become a better health care system, but it lets the community know that we are being held accountable and we are continually dedicated to improvement," said Robert "Ziggy" Zalzneck, chairman of the Nash Health Care Board of Commissioners. "The outstanding accreditation results are a reflection of our management team, our employees, and the medical staff's hard work and dedication to quality health care for everyone."

Nash Health Care is a county-owned, not-for-profit hospital system comprised of four distinct hospitals on one campus--Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital, and the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center. All the entities of Nash Health Care, including the Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital, were accredited by the Joint Commission. Accreditation is for three years. Nash Hosptials Inc., the parent company of Nash Health Care, has had an unbroken string of accreditations since the hospital opened in 1971.