Regional Hospital of Scranton Advances Joint Replacement Surgery in NEPA
4/24/2014
SCRANTON, Pa. – Regional Hospital of Scranton has become the first hospital in Pennsylvania to be awarded Joint Commission certification for hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement surgeries. The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval is awarded by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care.
The Scranton hospital, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health, underwent a voluntary onsite review in January 2014. A Joint Commission expert evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.
Brooks Turkel, CEO of Regional Hospital, said the distinction is an honor for the hospital and its staff.
“It is an honor for Regional Hospital to be identified by The Joint Commission as a facility that demonstrates expertise in hip, knee and shoulder replacement,” Turkel said. “Meeting The Joint Commission’s stringent quality standards is something our team of physicians, nurses and therapists can rightly take pride in.”
In 2013, Regional Hospital of Scranton was named a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, becoming the only hospital in Northeastern Pennsylvania to hold the designation.
“In achieving this certification, Regional Hospital of Scranton has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its joint replacement patients,” Dr. John Doherty, Regional Hospital’s Chief of Orthopedics, said. “For our organization, it’s a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide.”
Regional Hospital of Scranton has one of the largest total joint replacement programs in northeastern Pennsylvania, performing more than 450 procedures each year, while maintaining a consistently low infection rate.
“This certification highlights Regional’s significant investments in quality improvement and ensuring positive patient outcomes,” Dr. Theodore Tomaszewski, Regional Orthopedics Institute Medical Director, said. “It’s a validation of our efforts to ensure that quality patient care remains our first priority.”
Shoulder Replacement Program Medical Director Dr. Kevin Colleran agreed. “Our total joint replacement program is a collaborative effort of surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists and social workers,” Colerain said. “Our team emphasizes individualized, patient-centered care at every stage.”
Members of Regional Hospital’s Hip, Knee and Shoulder Team. Seated, from left: Donna Fazio, PT; Donna Marciano, RN, nurse manager; Nicole Kovalchik, RN; Marlynn Barrett, CNA; and Dorothy Barnhart, LPN. Standing: Christine Lishock, MSTR; Cathy Stankiewicz, PT; Kristin Minella, OT; Anita Snyder, RN; Dr. Theodore Tomaszewski; Dr. John Doherty; Dr. Kevin Colleran; Fran Zurn, RNFA; Heidi Bockelkamp, director of physical therapy; Elaine Maddus, RN, pre- admission testing; and Joan Feresse, unit clerk.
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