NEWARK, NJ – February 2009 -
The premier mechanical circulatory assist device program
at the Heart Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
is the only center in New Jersey to receive Ventricular Assist
Device (VAD) for Destination Therapy Certification from The
Joint Commission. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies
more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in
the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification
is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects
an organization’s commitment to meeting performance
standards.
Disease Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission
further distinguishes the Heart Center’s mechanical
circulatory assist device program. The Heart Center at Newark
Beth Israel was the first to introduce the use of implantable
VADs in New Jersey in 1993 and remains one of the nation’s
principal centers for implantation of the latest generation
of mechanical assist devices. Having performed more than
50 VAD implants in 2008, it is one of the busiest and most
respected mechanical cardiac support programs in the nation.
Virtually all approved and investigational implantable VADs
have been available at the Heart Center at Newark Beth Israel
for more than 16 years.
“Joint Commission certification reaffirms the Heart
Center’s status as a leader in advanced cardiac care,” said
John A. Brennan, MD, Executive Director of Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “The
team’s expertise in managing the full-spectrum of devices
allows them to tailor treatment to each patient’s individual
needs.”
The Joint Commission certification process aims to ensure safe,
high quality care and services by identifying opportunities
for improvement and implementing those improvements. The Heart
Center’s certification was granted after a rigorous two-day
survey of its mechanical circulatory assist device for destination
therapy program including a review of policies, procedures,
staff credentials, quality and outcome data, as well as conversations
with patients and staff.
Contact: Caren Malone
Public Relations and Marketing
Saint Barnabas Health Care System
973-322-4017
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