A leading accreditor of health care organizations has named Emanuel Medical Center one of the top performers in the nation for clinical practices.

The Joint Commission bestowed the “Top Performer on Key Quality Measures” recognition on EMC for the hospital’s “exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions.”

Hospitals earn the recognition by demonstrating a consistent care practice that is based on clinical results, like giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, or providing a home management plan of care for children with asthma. To be named a Top Performer, hospital staff must administer this type of evidence-based practice 95 percent or more of the time.

“What makes this award special is that it recognizes the consistency of excellence,” explained Connie Fairchilds, Emanuel’s vice president of patient care. “To meet these high standards means our outstanding staff is caring for patients the right way, day in and day out.”

The Joint Commission looks at clinical processes that focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, inpatient psychiatric services, and immunization for pneumonia and influenza. 

“We understand that what matters most to patients at Emanuel Medical Center is safe, effective care,” Fairchilds said. “That’s why we’ve made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Everyone at Emanuel is proud to receive the distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer.”

EMC is one of 1,099 hospitals in the nation earning the distinction. In addition to being included in the release of The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, EMC will also be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.

“Emanuel Medical Center and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” said Dr. Mark R. Chassin, president and chief executive officer of The Joint Commission.