July 22, 2009 — Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center was re-certified by The Joint Commission for its inpatient diabetes program, reinforcing its continued commitment to high-quality diabetes care.
"The certification demonstrates Desert Springs Hospital's pledge to maintain tight control of patients' blood-sugar levels while they are hospitalized - regardless of whether it's for diabetes complications or another illness," said Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, and Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Desert Springs. "Although this may seem like common sense, it is difficult to maintain blood-sugar levels when patients are fighting infections, stressed, and on certain medications."
Desert Springs is the first in the United States to earn a Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care from The Joint Commission, the national organization that accredits healthcare organizations across the United States. The initial certification was received in July 2007 and Desert Springs continues to be the only hospital in Nevada to earn the certification.
The hospital has to meet rigorous standards established by The Joint Commission and the American Diabetes Association. "We sought certification for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to patients' safety and quality care," said Sam Kaufman, CEO/Managing Director Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center. "We view obtaining Joint Commission certification as another step toward achieving excellence."
Obtaining and maintaining the inpatient diabetes certification was not easy. It requires all employees — from housekeepers and admitting clerks to nurses and technicians — to understand the basics of diabetes and symptoms of low blood-sugar levels, which can be similar to those of an intoxicated person.
According to The Joint Commission, the new certification for advanced inpatient diabetes care "recognizes hospitals that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes across all inpatient settings."
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