Cardiac Surgery Program Completes Successful JCAHO Survey

The survey was the first of its kind ever undergone by the program.

“The physician surveyor was very thorough and highly complimentary of many aspects of our program, including the cardiac catheterization labs,” said Ronald B. Goodspeed, MD, MPH, President of Southcoast Hospitals Group. “He specifically remarked about the outstanding design and appearance of the Cardiovascular ICU, Cardiovascular Step-Down Unit and cardiac surgical suites. He felt that our patient care is excellent, well-planned and well-coordinated.”

Southcoast’s cardiac surgery program, which is housed at Charlton Memorial Hospital, in Fall River, debuted on April 18 — just one year after Southcoast was approved to develop such a program by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

As of October, the cardiac surgery team had completed more than 80 open heart procedures.

JCAHO accreditation enhances an organization’s performance, may be used to meet Medicare certification requirements and is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality.

“This survey is important to Southcoast and the entire community,” Dr. Goodspeed said. “It’s just one more indicator of the high caliber of advanced care available at Southcoast hospitals.”