Hallmark Health awarded Gold Seal from the Joint Commission

July 11, 2013 – Hallmark Health System (HHS), which includes Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, has earned the The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes the organization’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Hallmark Health System underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated HHS for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

“In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Hallmark Health System has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, executive director, hospital programs, accreditation and certification services, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Hallmark Health System for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

“We are very proud to receive the Gold Seal of Approval, which illustrates our high standards of patient care and safety and commitment to continually improve the care we provide,” said Maureen Pierog, MS, RN, vice president of quality improvement and patient safety at HHS.

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.

For more information about HHS, visit www.hallmarkhealth.org or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/hallmarkhealth.

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Hallmark Health System is the premier, charitable provider of vital health services to Boston's northern communities. The system includes Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford; Melrose Wakefield Hospital, Melrose; Hallmark Health Hematology and Oncology Center, Stoneham; The CHEM Center for MRI, Stoneham; Hallmark Health Medical Center, Reading; Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice; Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing and Radiography Programs, Medford and Hallmark Health Medical Associates, Inc. Hallmark Health is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital for cardiology and Tufts Medical Center for neonatology and the Joslin Diabetes Center for diabetes care.