MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation.

The hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site three-day survey in March. A team of expert surveyors evaluated the 50-bed acute care facility for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

The accreditation was earned by demonstrating compliance with the commission’s standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.

"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Massena Memorial Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," said commission spokesman Mark Pelletier. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Massena Memorial Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

"With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down,” said Massena Memorial CEO Charles Fahd, II. “Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence,” said Fahd.

“This is the third time the hospital has undergone the inspection without notification. Again this is another check, because it offers the community the confidence and shows that our medical staff and employees provide safe, high-quality care, treatment, and services to the patients we serve every day,” said Fahd.

The accreditation organization’s hospital standards address the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.