by Mike Barwell, Dartmouth-HitchcockThree national organizations have confirmed Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center’s (DHMC) leadership for providing the highest quality of patient care. The distinctions include accreditation with the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission, a four-star rating for patient satisfaction on Hospital Compare; and recertification as the region’s primary trauma center:
- The Joint Commission has awarded its Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation, reporting that DHMC’s culture is “strong and thriving” by demonstrating continuous compliance with performance standards. The Joint Commission, which has accredited more than 4,000 hospitals for more than 60 years, issues its accreditation for three years. Compliance with accreditation standards is essential for continuing Medicare certification and reimbursement.
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock also is among the top hospitals in the country for its quality of patient care and satisfaction, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). New Hampshire’s largest medical facility achieved four stars out of a possible five in overall patient satisfaction ratings on Hospital Compare, a public information website, which helps consumers choose a hospital and understand the quality of care they deliver.
- DHMC also has been recertified as a Level I trauma center through January 30, 2018, and Level II pediatric trauma center through January 30, 2016, by the American College of Surgeons. The ACS approved the DHMC trauma center for commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care and performance improvement.
“In our culture of caring, providing safe, high-quality care is one of our highest goals, and it is gratifying that these organizations recognize the efforts of so many at DHMC,” said Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO and President Dr. James N. Weinstein. “Our patients expect and deserve nothing less as we work to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.”
About Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Dartmouth-Hitchcock (D-H) is a nonprofit academic health system that serves a patient population of 1.2 million in New England. Anchored by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, the system includes the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, one of only 41 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation; the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock; affiliate hospitals in Keene and New London, NH, and Windsor, VT; and 24 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinics that provide ambulatory services across New Hampshire and Vermont. D-H provides access to more than 1,000 primary care doctors and specialists in almost every area of medicine. In partnership with the Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT, it trains nearly 400 residents and fellows annually, and performs world-class research.