Mississippi Baptist Achieves National Disease-Specific Care Certification for Cancer, Diabetes and Heart

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. - November 9, 2006- By demonstrating excellence in health care quality in its heart, outpatient diabetes, and cancer programs, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. has been re-awarded the Gold Seal of Approval and has achieved Disease-Specific Care re-certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Baptist was the first organization in the world to earn this distinction for an entire cancer program. Also, through CRUSADE, a nationwide registry of heart patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) coordinated by Duke Clinical Research Institute, Baptist was the first hospital in Mississippi granted disease specific certification status by JCAHO for clinical outcomes and treatment program surrounding the ACS patient.

According to Joint Commission, Baptist is the first healthcare organization in Mississippi to earn these disease-specific certifications. Reviewers from the Joint Commission evaluated Baptist’s Cancer Services, Heart Services in the area of acute coronary syndrome, and Diabetes Services in the area of outpatient education, to assess its compliance with the Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art national standards and performance measurement expectations for the management of chronic care illnesses.

“We pursued this certification because we want to demonstrate our commitment to a high standard of quality care to the community,” said Vickie Gerrard, RN, Baptist JCAHO coordinator. “We are an accredited hospital; so adding certification for various services is a demonstration that we strive for excellence in patient outcomes and the integration of care.”

The Joint Commission has more than 50 years of recognized and respected experience and expertise in evaluating clinical care quality in all types of health care settings and assures the American public of quality health care.

“This certification means Baptist does the right things and does them well,” said Charles A. Mowll, executive vice president, Business Development, Government and External Relations, Joint Commission.

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