UC Irvine Healthcare's heart failure program earns the Gold Seal of Approval

Gold Seal of Approval denotes commitment to highest quality of patient care

UC Irvine Healthcare's heart failure program and Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center have again earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, healthcare's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body.

Joint Commission certification recognizes an organization's diligence in meeting rigorous performance standards accepted nationwide as benchmarks for superior patient care.

"This comprehensive, independent evaluation from The Joint Commission reflects our commitment to the Orange County community," said Terry A. Belmont, chief executive officer of UC Irvine Medical Center. "Our doctors and staff are dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care possible. This accomplishment is exceptionally rewarding and a testament to all their hard work."

To achieve the Gold Seal of Approval, an organization must undergo a voluntary on-site survey by a Joint Commission team at least every two years and satisfy performance requirements in such key areas as patients' rights, patient treatment and infection control.

In March, the heart failure program and Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center received an unannounced visit by Joint Commission reviewers, who - in addition to interviewing patients and staff - assessed their practices and ability to internally evaluate and improve care.

The UC Irvine heart failure program's certification for disease-specific care in 2008 was the first awarded by The Joint Commission to a Southern California hospital or medical center. The Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center has held advanced certification from The Joint Commission since 2004 and was among the nation's first academic medical facilities to be designated a primary stroke center.