DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 18, 2005 DHSS-105-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER PASSES 3 YEAR ACCREDITATION WITH FLYING COLORS--AGAIN
New Castle - The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has again granted Delaware Psychiatric Center full accreditation certifying that the facility meets all National Patient Safety Goals. The Joint Commission's standards set forth performance expectations that address the safety and quality of client care-that is, areas in which good performance leads to good outcomes for clients.
"I am very proud of the employees of the Delaware Psychiatric Center and the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health," Secretary Vincent P. Meconi said. "Everyone involved continues to work diligently to provide the best possible care to their patients."
Every three years, JCAHO conducts a site visit to renew a facility's accreditation. The accreditation, which is voluntary, requires that the facility be evaluated against a set of national standards by a JCAHO team experienced in the delivery of behavioral health care services. JCAHO reviews facilities with regard to procedures and services provided for patients at the facility, as well as their connections with community programs to provide a balanced and responsive continuum of care for the individual's return to the community.
"I want to congratulate everyone involved in the accreditation process on their efforts to provide high quality care for those served," said Renata Henry, Division Director for Substance Abuse and Mental Health MD, "JCAHO's decision is a clear statement that Delaware Psychiatric Center continues to provide quality services from the initial assessments and diagnoses of patients to the education and involvement of families."
Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation. JCAHO measures 18,000 health care organizations across the United States.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
