Southcoast Health is proud to announce that the organization has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for the Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal represents a standard of excellence, highlighting Southcoast Health’s dedication to delivering safe and high-quality orthopedic patient care across the region.

“Earning the Advanced Total Hip & Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission at all three Southcoast Health hospital sites demonstrates the elevated performance and successful outcomes for our patients that our team works toward achieving every day,” said Michael Langworthy, MD, Chief of Orthopedics at Southcoast Health. “We are incredibly proud of our orthopedic program that offers a complete array of nonoperative treatments along with regenerative and reconstructive surgery options.” 

Awarded in partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this certification focuses on the complete patient experience, from the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. Simply put, this award recognizes the comprehensive, life-changing care and service patients receive at Southcoast Health Orthopedics for hip and knee replacements.

Southcoast Health performs more than 4,000 orthopedic procedures a year, including more than 1,000 joint replacements and 2,000 outpatient procedures. The organization’s orthopedic specialists use the latest in computer-guidance systems, robotics and procedural navigation.

“This recognition is another example of our Joint Replacement Program’s commitment to Southcoast Health’s mission to provide clinical excellence and a uniquely caring experience to every life we touch,” said Christopher Skeehan, MD, Total Joint Replacement Program Medical Director at Southcoast Health. “We are committed to providing excellent, evidence-based care for our patients and are always working to improve our program.”

Southcoast Health dedicates itself to ensuring that patients are well-prepared for joint replacement surgery and receive continuous support throughout their recovery. Distinguishing itself from many other programs, it utilizes nurse navigators who are essential in fostering strong relationships with patients, providing education, and acting as the primary point of contact throughout the entire joint replacement process. These individuals offer guidance and support from the moment surgery is scheduled, continuing through the full recovery period. The team strives to ensure that every patient is well-prepared for joint replacement surgery and receives continuous support throughout their recovery.

“Our program’s success is the result of the collective effort from all teams across the system involved in the care of our patients,” said Vanessa Valcorba, DNP, Total Joint Replacement Program Coordinator at Southcoast Health. “Our surgeons, providers, nurses, therapy teams, and support staff all play a significant role in delivering the highest quality care for our patients. Each person brings their expertise to help our program shine. We take pride in supporting patients through every step of their joint replacement journey and are proud to offer these exceptional joint replacement services.”

To learn more about orthopedic surgery at Southcoast Health please visit, www.southcoast.org/services/orthopedics/orthopedic-surgery/.