BRICK – Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center recently earned their official “seal of approval,” literally. The Joint Commission has awarded Ocean Medical Center with the Gold Seal of Approval for expertise in Colorectal Cancer, making it one of only three hospitals in the country to earn the title.
“This is a phenomenal distinction that demonstrates the advanced care, forward-thinking treatment options, and patient-centered services coordinated and delivered by an expert team each and every day,” said Dean Lin, MBA, FACHE, FCPP, regional president of Hackensack Meridian Health and president of Ocean Medical Center. “I am so proud of the entire team and this outstanding achievement. We truly have one of the best colorectal cancer programs in the country.”
This distinguished recognition acknowledges Ocean Medical Center’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. To get their Gold Seal of Approval, OMC had to undergo a rigorous interview process.
OMC’s oncology nurse navigator, Kathy Martin, led the oncology team in the development of their colorectal cancer program based on the needs of patients and the community. The program was then evaluated for its compliance with national disease-specific care and colon-specific standards, clinical practice guidelines and performance measures, according to The Joint Commission.
“This elite national and state status thoroughly demonstrates the culture of excellence at Ocean Medical Center and speaks to the innovative patient centric multidisciplinary team approach through the entire continuum of care we offer cancer patients, all with the benefits of being close to home,” said colon and rectal surgeon, Thomas R. Lake, M.D., FACS, FASCRS. “We’re proud to be a leader in colorectal cancer care, not just in New Jersey, but in the nation as a whole.
The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification was established in 2002 and lasts for two years once awarded. It evaluates clinical programs based on “compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.”
OMC has also earned disease site certifications in Joint Replacement, Stroke and Palliative Care.
