For Immediate Release

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February 16, 2005

IONIA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

HAS EARNED THE JOINT COMMISSION’S GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL

Ionia County Memorial Hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ by demonstrating compliance with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s national standards for health care quality and safety.

Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation.  The Joint Commission's on-site survey of Ionia County Memorial Hospital occurred in September of 2004.

"Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization's performance and the outcomes of care," says Kurt Patton, executive director, Hospital Accreditation Program, Joint Commission. "The community should be proud that Ionia County Memorial Hospital is focusing on the most challenging goal -- to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels."

Evonne Ulmer, Ionia County Memorial Hospital’s CEO spoke of her pride in the staff whose involvement was vital to the on-site survey because of the focus on patient care through the tracer methodology and observation of care.

“During a JCAHO survey the hospital and its services undergo a thorough on-site review and are committed to meeting rigorous national standards—continuously. The conclusion of the on-site survey is a validation of the work to constantly comply with changing and improving standards.”

For over 60 years, Ionia County Memorial Hospital leadership and staff have been committed to continually improving and providing quality care to the residents of Ionia County.

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