Sweet Brook Care Centers in Williamstown has been awarded a 3-year accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, following a three-day survey in June. Sweet Brook was awarded a "grid score" of 96 out of a possible 100.
"I am so proud of the people of Sweet Brook," said K. Elaine Neely, chief executive officer of Sweet Brook and vice president of elder services for Northern Berkshire Health Systems (NBHS). "This is their achievement, and proof that they are fully committed to caring for the residents of Sweet Brook."
"The score of 96 on a Joint Commission accreditation survey is a true measure of the quality of care we provide day in and day out here," said Dean Grimes, Sweet Brook administrator. Grimes noted that surveyors from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health also inspected Sweet Brook a few weeks ago and found no deficiencies.
Director of Nursing Lorraine Mancuso, RN, BSN, said the survey included review of policies and procedures, chart review, and interviews with staff. The surveyor observed resident care at various times of day, including an unannounced visit during the evening.
Sweet Brook participates in the accreditation process on a voluntary basis, according to Mancuso. Only about 2,800 long term care facilities in the United States are accredited. "Even though this is a very rigorous survey, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of care we provide," she said. Mancuso added that the surveyor noted the cleanliness of the facility as another indicator of quality.
Sweet Brook staff also presented information on two quality initiatives to the surveyor, one concerning Sweet Brook's wound prevention and management program, and the other a dehydration prevention effort. Mancuso said the surveyor was impressed by the results of those programs and suggested that they be submitted as candidates for a JCAHO quality award.
Joint Commission standards are intended to help organizations achieve the highest level of performance possible, improve patient safety, and create an environment for continuous improvement. "Accreditation - especially voluntary accreditation -- signifies our commitment to quality care and quality improvement," said John Cronin, chief executive officer of NBHS.
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits almost 11,000 hospitals and home care agencies, and more than 7,000 other health care organizations. The Joint Commission is governed by a 28-member Board of Commissioners. Board members have diverse experience in health care, business, and public policy. The organization employs more than 500 physicians, nurses, health care administrators, and other experienced professionals to conduct accreditation surveys.
Sweet Brook Care Centers is a subsidiary of Northern Berkshire Health Systems, whose family of health care providers also includes North Adams Regional Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, Sweetwood Continuing Care Retirement Community, and the REACH Community Health Foundation. For information on NBHS and its subsidiaries, call (413) 664-5000.
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
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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