By: Courtney Thomas—
Muncie, IN – Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital has recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its healthcare quality and safety. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has consistently received accreditation since the Joint Commission began recognizing healthcare organizations as a symbol of quality in 1951.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced on-site survey at the end of 2018, and received accreditation earlier this year. During the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted on-site observations and interviews.
“Team members were put through some very challenging and detailed scenarios and responded with displays of expertise and genuine care for the patient,” said Jeff Bird, MD, president, IU Health East Central Region. “From direct care nursing staff to ambassadors to maintenance, we were extremely proud of the assurance that our team provided to the surveyors that they excelled at their jobs.”
IU Health Blackford Hospital also received accreditation.
IU Health Blackford Hospital. Photo provided.
More than 4,000 hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission. Accreditation is awarded for a three-year period. Approximately 360 critical access hospitals maintain accreditation through a separate program.
“IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission,” said Claire Lee, RN, administrative director, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Office of Quality and Safety. “Our team members continuously work together to develop and implement approaches that strive to improve the quality of care for our patients.”
The Joint Commission’s hospital standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help hospitals measure, assess and improve performance.
In addition to this hospital accreditation, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital holds core certifications in chest pain, hip fracture and heart failure and an advanced certification in total hip and total knee replacement through The Joint Commission. IU Health Ball is also recognized as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.
IU Health Jay received accreditation in 2017.
IU Health Jay Hospital. Photo provided.
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. It is part of an elite group of hospitals with Magnet designation for nursing excellence. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Jeff Bird, MD, is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
About IU Health Blackford Hospital
IU Health Blackford Hospital serves as a 15-bed critical access hospital for Hartford City, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. IU Health Blackford Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a specialty clinic, outpatient surgical services, a paramedic-level ambulance service as well as an outpatient physician practice and pharmacy. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iuhealth.org/blackford.
About IU Health Jay Hospital
IU Health Jay is a 25 bed critical access hospital in Portland, Indiana. IU Health Jay Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a 10 behavioral health unit, inpatient and OB care, surgical services and several medical specialties as well as several outpatient physician practices. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iuhealth.org/jay.
