PITTSFIELD — Sebasticook Valley Health recently announced it recently received accreditation by The Joint Commission, a national non-profit organization that certifies the quality and safety of hospitals in the United States. The accreditation, which includes an unannounced on-site inspection, is the benchmark of quality throughout the healthcare industry. SVH has been accredited by the Joint Commission since 2003.

According to a press release, SVH President/CEO Victoria Alexander-Lane stated, “Ongoing accreditation by the Joint Commission speaks to the quality of care SVH patients can rely on: we’ve known that we are doing remarkable things to ensure outstanding patient care, and it is wonderful knowing that others recognize that, too.”

Alexander noted that comments from inspectors were very positive during this inspection — a testament to SVH staff’s commitment to excellence. “When national inspectors tell us that SVH is ‘at the cutting edge nationally’ and comment on the obvious pride our employees have in providing a safe, high quality care environment, I am genuinely humbled to work with such this outstanding group of professionals.”

SVH is one of 19,000 healthcare organizations in the United States that voluntarily participate in the Joint Commission survey process, which reviews all aspects of patient care — in inpatient and outpatient settings — with emphasis on patient safety, quality, and best practices. The Joint Commission regularly evaluates all SVH locations where patients receive care – at the hospital, all three Family Care offices, both Rehabilitation locations, its occupational health office in Pittsfield, and the Specialty Physicians location in Detroit — and accreditation is valid for three years.

For more information, call Media Officer Lisa Janelle at 487-4000.