News

The Joint Commission Certifies Beebe Hip and Knee Replacement Programs

01/07/11

Beebe Medical Center has been awarded disease-specific certifications in hip and knee replacement surgical programs by The Joint Commission, the independent organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs throughout the nation.

The certifications mean that these two joint replacement programs at Beebe Medical Center have met the highest national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for joint replacement patients.

The Joint Commission issues a certification only after an on-site review is carried out that assesses the hospital's commitment to excellence in providing disease-specific services in a comprehensive manner. The Joint Commission examines the hospitals performance improvement measures and initiatives, programs, organization, leadership and patient outcomes. Representatives scrutinize hospital procedures to make sure they meet best practice guidelines established by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses. They examine individual patient cases and interview staff members.

We are proud to have earned this designation, says Marie Berntsen, Director of Orthopaedic Services at Beebe Medical Center. Every person on our team focuses on achieving the standards of quality that are based on best practice guidelines. Patient safety is of utmost importance.

The hip and knee joint replacement programs at Beebe Medical Center take a comprehensive approach to patient care and effectively integrate evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to optimize care. They begin by offering free, pre-surgery education classes to prepare patients for what to expect. The surgeons and their surgical teams are specially trained in joint replacement surgical procedures. Following the surgery, the nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists work with case managers and home health professionals to make sure the patients have a successful recovery. The recuperation program includes the use of a variety of medical technologies that help to control pain and swelling. Patients recovering from hip replacement surgery work with occupational therapists who help them learn now to get back to their normal routines without injury.

The hip and knee joint replacement programs are part of Beebe Medical Center's comprehensive Orthopedic Services that includes inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. The department has a dedicated unit on the third floor of Beebe Medical Center with 29 patient rooms and it is staffed with healthcare professionals who are specially trained and educated in the care of orthopedic patients. These professionals use the latest in healthcare technologies to ensure for optimum patient recovery. The unit includes a dedicated wing for patients undergoing joint replacement surgical procedures. HealthGrades has ranked Beebe Medical Center No. 1 in Delaware for Overall Orthopaedics and Best on the Delmarva Peninsula for Overall Orthopaedics for five years in a row.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org