NORTH ADAMS - North Adams Regional Hospital’s laboratory has been awarded an accreditation from the College of American Pathologists’ Commission on Laboratory Accreditation. The two-year accreditation means the laboratory has met CAP standards for performance. CAP inspectors visited the hospital in June, and the hospital recently received official notification of the accreditation.
During a CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff’s qualifications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.
The lab also takes part in proficiency surveys for all laboratory tests performed at NARH. Those tests involve samples that must be processed like any other sample.
"We're very proud to have earned CAP accreditation, because of its arduous standards," said laboratory Director Dr. Deborah August. "The lab had to meet strict criteria, and our staff members are to be commended for their continuing excellent work that made this possible."
NARH has participated in the voluntary CAP accreditation process since 1970. "We take on this voluntary challenge to make sure we're meeting the highest expectations," said August. "It helps to identify potential problems and allows us to exchange ideas and solutions with other CAP-accredited labs."
NARH's laboratory performs about 400,000 tests each year with a staff of 34, including pathologists, phlebotomists, histologists, cytologists, chemists, hematologists, and microbiologists. The lab's blood bank tests and supplies blood from the American Red Cross, and handles blood donated by individuals for their own surgeries.
CAP surveys more than 6,000 laboratories in the U.S. each year, using teams of inspectors who remain active in pathology and laboratory medicine. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government's own inspection program.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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