Bethesda Butler County Accredited by Joint Commission

April 20, 2012

TriHealth acquired Bethesda Butler County on March 1; before the purchase was complete, nursing, imaging and facilities management staff were already preparing for a visit by The Joint Commission (TJC), standard when a center is acquired. After a mid-March visit, Bethesda Butler County recently received a letter of recommendation for accreditation. This accreditation by TJC is a nationwide seal of approval that indicates a hospital meets high performance standards.

The survey team was particularly impressed with:

• An especially well-orchestrated surgical time-out, observed during the visit. “Prior to every procedure, when the entire surgical team is present and the patient is draped, a time out is performed,” explains Vickie Gabbard RN, Director of Nursing.  Although the procedure is standard throughout the country, in its report the TJC surveyor complimented the team for doing “one of the best” he has ever seen.
• MRI education and safety training, required of all staff who pass through the hallway where the magnet is located. The TJC surveyors indicated they were so impressed, they may consider making such training a best practice for all imaging facilities. The training was developed by Mark Gilbert, Director of Ancillary Services.

“Bethesda Butler County is a great example of how TriHealth is committed to delivering quality health care to Greater Cincinnati,” says Steve Mombach, Vice President of Ambulatory Services. “We are so proud to be able to say that our newest family member has already been recognized by The Joint Commission. Bethesda Butler County is a real blessing to the citizens of Hamilton and this northwestern region.”

For 11 years, Bethesda Butler County has grown to serve the region as a 10-bed surgical hospital with eight operating rooms, three endoscopy suites and two procedure rooms. Services include cardiac testing, a laboratory, pathology, imaging, physical therapy and a sleep center. In addition to extensive renovation, planning already has begun to add a 17-bed emergency department. New cardiology services also will be moving on campus to provide a broader range of specialty care.