CANANDAIGUA – The Birthing Center at UR Medicine Thompson Hospital has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Perinatal Care Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
This advanced certification was first acquired by Thompson in 2016, with the first re-certification in 2018. It recognizes Thompson’s efforts to achieve integrated, coordinated, patient-centered care for clinically uncomplicated pregnancies and births. The certification uses standards, guidelines and The Joint Commission’s perinatal care core performance measures for managing and monitoring aspects of perinatal care that are critical to improving and maintaining the health of newborns and their mothers.
Thompson – one of only 60 organizations in the United States to have achieved this certification – underwent a rigorous, on-site review in June. During the visit, a Joint Commission perinatal expert evaluated compliance with related certification standards, which are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted on-site observations and interviews. She reported finding zero deficiencies and noted she was particularly impressed with a number of things, including the Birthing Center’s bereavement program for perinatal loss and its nurse residency program.
Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. congratulated Director of Obstetrics Deborah Jones and Chief of OB-GYN Dr. Jillian Babu, the OB nursing staff, the obstetric and the pediatric providers as well as Quality Improvement Coordinator Stephanie Friel and other members of Thompson’s Quality and Safety Department.
“This survey is a great validation of what we do every day,” he said, thanking all involved for their “continued commitment and dedication to our community and the patients we serve.”
There were 692 babies born at Thompson in 2020.
For more information on the Birthing Center’s advanced certification and other distinctions held by Thompson Hospital, as well as information about how they are attained, visit The Joint Commission website.