Quality and Safety

On-site hospital surveys are an intense review of hospital practices. Surveyors may question staff, observe care and practice standards in action, review hospital policy, and audit records throughout the institution all in the name of excellent patient care and safety. During 2007-2009 VGH participated in a number of surveys including:

• Washington State Department of Health, February 2009
• Commission on Cancer, April 2008
• The Joint Commission, October 2007

VGH’s commitment to quality and patient safety is demonstrated by our consistently high marks and positive comments from surveyors about our achievements. Our 2008 Commission on Cancer (CoC) Survey was no exception. Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of review of their performance. Receiving care at a CoC accredited cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to the full quality spectrum of comprehensive care close to home. As a result of the survey, VGH received accreditation and was also a recipient of the Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was given to only 95 cancer programs nationwide as a result of surveys performed in 2008. This number represents approximately nineteen percent of the 478 programs surveyed during this period. VGH was one of five Washington State hospitals to receive this award for 2008.

As a result of passing our Washington State Department of Health survey, our Hospital Acute Care license remains active with a current expiration date of 2011. The surveyors were very complimentary of what they observed at VGH and were able to conclude the survey in less time than allotted.

VGH voluntarily participates in The Joint Commission accreditation process for hospitals. As a condition of participating with The Joint Commission, VGH submits to a detailed unannounced survey. The Joint Commission renewed VGH’s full accreditation following our October 2007 survey. Joint Commission accreditation means VGH complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care.

The 2007-2008 Strategic Plan also has a Quality and Safety Initiative which emphasizes actively participating in state wide efforts with Washington State Hospital Association and national patient safety standards and maintaining compliance with evolving safety standards.

Again, after implementing actions in accordance with the Strategic Plan, the American Hospital Associations survey of Quality measures confirms VGH‘s strong commitment to quality and safety.