Nathan Littauer receives high marks, accreditation extended for entire service line,

including primary/specialty care centers

“The highest standards of health care”

Gloversville… Nathan Littauer Hospital was recently notified of the results of an unannounced on-site full survey conducted by The Joint Commission in February. The survey led to a three-year continuation of Littauer’s current full accreditation with the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

“At the close of our survey, the examiners said such glowing things about our facility. Based on their comments, we were filled with such a sense of pride for the Littauer System of Health Services.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. Adding, “Therefore we were not surprised to receive a continuation of our accreditation.”

Littauer’s Chief of Staff

The accreditation extends to the hospital and now also to their eight primary/specialty care centers. Nathan Littauer Hospital was first accredited in 1953. The Hospital voluntarily belongs to The Joint Commission. “This is a national standard every health care organization strives to meet. We are pleased The Joint Commission acknowledges our efforts to meet their high standards for health care quality and safety,” said Paul Perreault, MD Chief of Staff for Nathan Littauer Hospital. He said, “But our work is not done. Everyday, we strive to be better for our patients, even after surveyors have long gone.”

Littauer’s continuing accreditation by The Joint Commission follows an audit of actual delivery of patient-care services conducted in January of 2010. The survey team examined all facets of patient care from direct patient care to supporting teams, such as engineering and nutrition. “No stone was left unturned” commented Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson. “Accreditation is a grueling process and speaks volumes about the level of care Littauer provides.”

“Our mission lives” said Diane Swartz, Director of Performance Improvement for Littauer. “This is an important milestone for us and proves we are doing our best to provide excellent care at Nathan Littauer Hospital”

“This important accreditation speaks to the level of care that Littauer provides,” said Wally Hart, President/CEO of the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He continued, “Our community continues to be proud of its hospital and what its staff has accomplished, and this announcement proves what we already know–Nathan Littauer Hospital provides the highest levels of quality and patient care.”

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization which evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Since 1951, The Joint Commission has maintained standards that focus on improving the quality and safety of care provided by health care organizations, and Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting those standards.

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Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Birthing Center. The hospital also opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring.