PUTNAM — Day Kimball Hospital and Day Kimball HomeCare, operating divisions of the Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) integrated system, have earned The Joint Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval®” for accreditation, according to Robert Smanik, FACHE, DKH president and CEO. 

“The Joint Commission is the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America,” said Smanik. “We’re very proud to have earned this recognition, which is the result of the daily commitment of our physicians, providers and staff, working together to provide top quality care.” 

He said every aspect of Day Kimball Hospital and Day Kimball HomeCare underwent rigorous, unannounced, on-site surveys during May 19-23 of 2014. The evaluation focuses on “…compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management,” according to The Joint Commission. 

“As one surveyor from The Joint Commission reported: ‘This is not the result of one, but from a team effort,’” said John Graham, MD, DKH vice president for medical affairs and quality/chief medical officer. “Whether it’s providing inpatient care, ambulatory services, behavioral health, or traveling to the homes of those in need, Day Kimball operates under a universal set of high standards, which is maintained at all levels of our organization. The Gold Seal of Approval® applies to every aspect of our organization and reflects a systemic commitment – right up to our board of directors – to high quality care. We’re humbled and encouraged by this designation.”

Dr. Graham added the following surveyor comment perhaps best sums up the meaning of this accomplishment for DKH: “You clearly care very deeply about our patients.”

Following the on-site survey, The Joint Commission continues to monitor select data with 45-day and 60-day review. During that process, the official accreditation is presented and was received by Day Kimball on August 19, 2014. It is valid for a three-year period with DKH’s next survey expected between April and June of 2017. Day Kimball has also received from The Joint Commission: Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in heart attack, pneumonia and surgical care; advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center; and certification for knee and hip joint replacement program.