inthrop-University Hospital received exceptional marks for its overall performance in the 2001 Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) survey. JCAHO is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits close to 11,000 hospitals and home care agencies and more than 7,000 other healthcare organizations. Every three years, hospitals and home care agencies across the country are evaluated by the JCAHO. Winthrop scored 96 percent out of a possible 100, far surpassing the national average hospital score of 85 percent.

"With this survey more stringent than ever before, the days of scoring 100 percent are virtually over," said Daniel P. Walsh, President and Chief Executive Officer at Winthrop. "To score a 96 percent is truly wonderful and is testimony not only to the compassion and dedication of the Winthrop team, but to their passion for quality patient care."

As a result of the September 11th tragedy, JCAHO surveyors focused intently on the Hospital's emergency preparedness plan. Patient safety and sentinel events were also under intense scrutiny in this year's weeklong survey.

Vice President of Administration, Barbara Kohart explained that the events of September 11th had a profound effect on the way Winthrop approached this year's survey.

"September 11th put our priorities into perspective for us," she said. "The way we responded on 9-11 demonstrated that we were ready to care for our patients under the most dire of circumstances and that, above all, our number one priority is the delivery of superior patient care."

Many departments contributed to the success of the survey and were recognized for their keen focus on patient care. Setting the high standard of excellence for the duration of the survey was Winthrop's Nursing Department. Nurses and administrators were praised by the surveyors for their outstanding work and dedication to the patients. Continuing the momentum, several other departments were lauded for their efforts including, Safety and Security for the emergency management plan; Human Resources; Pharmacy; and Facilities and Housekeeping for the overall operation and cleanliness of the Hospital.

Winthrop's Home Health Agency, which was surveyed separately over a two-day period, received a remarkable score of 98 percent. "The dedication and professionalism of the entire staff made this achievement possible," said Anne Calvo, Administrator, Winthrop Home Health Agency. "The surveyors were impressed with our interdisciplinary approach to patient care and with how pleased our patients were with the services we provide. We have a great team, a team that works together for the benefit of our patients."

The JCAHO survey team met with various Winthrop employees, observed procedures and overall staff performance and toured patient care units. At the end of the week, surveyors expressed how impressed they were with the high level of commitment to patient care. Added Ms. Kohart, "The surveyors recognized that our staff is a special and compassionate team. That's what sets Winthrop apart - our compassion and our heart."