St. Joseph’s/Candler Achieves Hernia Center of Excellence Accreditation

St. Joseph's/Candler has achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery.

This accreditation recognizes St. Joseph's/Candler's commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety in hernia surgery.

Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that St. Joseph's/Candler has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation.

"St. Joseph's/Candler is committed to a higher standard of care for our patients," said Paul P. Hinchey, president and CEO. "Our team of surgeons and the surgical staff continuously re-fine the surgical experience so patients receive reduced risk of complications and faster recovery times so they can get back to their normal lives and work. This national accreditation recognizes their hard work and shows the community that St. Joseph's/Candler is the place to come for hernia surgery."

Patients can be assured they are getting the highest standard of care at both St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital.

Hernia surgeries are performed robotically, laparoscopically or openly. At St. Joseph's/Candler, the majority of hernia surgeries are performed using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. St. Joseph's/Candler has offered minimally-invasive robotic surgery for more than 17 years and was the first hospital to bring this advancement to southeast Georgia.

ABOUT THE HERNIA CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ACCREDITATION

Health care facilities and surgeons seeking Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC's proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

"We're proud to recognize St. Joseph's/Candler for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients," said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. "This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible."

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SURGICAL FACILITIES AND SURGEONS HERE:www.sjchs.org/hernia

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S/CANDLER:

St. Joseph's/Candler is a 714-bed, five (5) time Magnet-designated health system for nursing excellence, with a focus on the latest technologies and research. It is anchored by St. Joseph's Hospital, Candler Hospital plus the new Pooler, Bluffton and Richmond Hill campuses. Its comprehensive network includes centers of excellence for oncology, cardiovascular, neurosciences, women's and children's services, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine and a variety of other disease specialties. SJ/C's Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion has been selected to be part of the National Cancer Institute's Community Oncology Research Program. St. Joseph's/Candler is a not-for-profit health system serving 33 counties in southeast Georgia and three in the South Carolina Low Country and is the largest and only faith-based institution in the region. For more information, visit www.sjchs.org.

About Surgical Review Corporation

Established in 2003, Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet our proven standards. Look for our seal, expect excellence. For more information, visit www.surgicalreview.org.