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February 10, 2003

Harborview receives one of the highest JCAHO scores in the country

Seattle –The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has released its final report and awarded Harborview Medical Center a score of 97 with no Type I deficiencies. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. Harborview receives a three-year accreditation as a result of the survey.

JCAHO conducted the Harborview review in September 2002. The average national score for JCAHO surveys conducted in 2002 was 93, with hospitals averaging three to five Type I citations.

“In reporting their findings, the JCAHO surveyors repeatedly lauded the care provided to patients and the staff’s professionalism, dedication and knowledge, says Johnese Spisso, Harborview’s chief operating officer. One surveyor commented, “They not only know the mission, they live it every day with enthusiasm.”
Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA is the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center serving patients from Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.

Other high marks recently received by Harborview include:

  • The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) surveyed Harborview’s inpatient rehabilitation unit. The surveyors’ report listed several exemplary areas of performance, including leadership strengths, interdisciplinary collaboration and documentation; inclusions of patients and families served, and staff’s demonstrated ability to translate research into practice. The CARF survey is completed every three years.

  • The Washington State Board of Pharmacy recently gave Harborview’s Community Mental Health Pharmacy, Outpatient Pharmacy and clinic-based pharmacies outstanding reviews. The Community Mental Health Pharmacy received a score of 98 percent. The Outpatient Pharmacy and the clinic-based pharmacies received scores of 100 percent.