Methodist Awarded Multiple Joint Commission Certifications

Peoria, Illinois –October 21, 2009--Methodist Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for Health Care Quality from the Joint Commission, a national, not-for-profit health accrediting organization. The Joint Commission has awarded Methodist its Disease Specific Care Certifications for Pneumonia, Heart Failure, Acute Myocardial Infarction (heart attack), Sleeping Disorders, Joint Replacement-Knee, Joint Replacement-Hip, and Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

To earn these distinctions, Methodist volunteered to undergo extensive, on-site evaluations. A Joint Commission reviewer judged the Medical Center’s performance in each of these areas according to the Joint Commission’s rigorous quality and safety standards along with the hospital’s ability to continuously evaluate and improve patient care.

Michael Bryant, President and CEO of Methodist, said, "These are important achievements for Methodist. The Joint Commission sets the national benchmark for health care quality and these certifications are additional evidence of our commitment to providing outstanding healthcare. Period."

Methodist has been Certified by the Joint Commission for Pneumonia, Heart Failure, Joint Replacement-Knee, Joint Replacement-Hip, and Advanced Primary Stroke Center since 2005, including being the first hospital in Illinois to achieve Certification for Pneumonia, Knee and Hip Replacement. Methodist added Joint Commission Certification for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Sleeping Disorders in 2007.