Hahnemann University Hospital Awarded Certification From the Joint Commission for Ventricular Assi...( PHILADELPHIA April 3 -- Hahnemann Un...),Health

PHILADELPHIA, April 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hahnemann University Hospital's ventricular assist device program has earned the Gold Seal of Approval(TM) for health care quality. Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are mechanical pumps that allow damaged hearts to continue functioning while patients either await a heart transplant, or for destination therapy when transplant is not a viable option.

"Hahnemann sought accreditation for our VAD program because we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to our patients' safety and quality care," said George Amrom, M.D., chief medical officer of Hahnemann University Hospital. "Ventricular Assist Devices continue to become more sophisticated and allow our patients a treatment option that had not been available to them in the past."

To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive, unannounced, on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff.

"This certification means Hahnemann University Hospital does the right things and does them well for ventricular assist device patients," says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission launched its Disease-Specific Care Certification program in 2002. It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management programs. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.

About Hahnemann University Hospital

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