The two HealthAlliance Hospitals in Kingston and Margaretville Hospital in Margaretville, all members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), have each earned a certification indicating they meet or exceed
globally established standards for safe, reliable, high-quality healthcare that satisfies patient needs and lowers healthcare costs.
These certifications to the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system — new to hospitals but embraced by industries worldwide to improve safety, quality and customer satisfaction — mean that HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus, HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus and Margaretville Hospital maintain or surpass globally established and recognized standards for exceptional patient care and safety, plus have effective systems in place for continual improvement.
They join Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and the Behavioral Health Center in Valhalla and MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, all members of WMCHealth, as the only hospitals in the Hudson Valley earning this certification.
"We are extremely proud of this achievement," said HealthAlliance Chief Operating Officer Joseph Marsicovete, who led the certification process. "Our ISO 9001:2015 certification establishes a process that helps us continually monitor and improve our safety and quality. It also exemplifies our dedication to excellence and assures our patients and families that high-quality, compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do."
Robert Ross, Executive Vice President for WMCHealth's Northern Region, added: "Achieving this certification demonstrates HealthAlliance's commitment to meeting consistently high standards for patient care."
The certifications were granted by DNV GL Business Assurance. Its sister organization, DNV GL Healthcare, accredits all three hospitals, operated by HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley. With the new certification, the hospitals are now accredited by DNV GL Healthcare using two independent sets of standards.
Hospitals are required to meet federal and state statuary and regulatory requirements for service, patient safety and care quality. Additionally, the ISO 9001:2015 requirements build upon the federal and state requirements by emphasizing the standardization of processes, continual improvement, patient-centered care and patient satisfaction.
In meeting the ISO 9001:2015 standards, HealthAlliance is determined to be adept at managing, monitoring and improving complex and interrelated processes. This is accomplished through the identification and management of risk to patients and staff as well as the implementation of best-practice routines and procedures.
"Adherence to these standards — which support safe, high-quality medical practices that help our healthcare providers deliver reliable and effective service — will empower the three HealthAlliance hospitals to provide the very best care to local residents close to home." Ross said.
